Rambles

I mentioned in my last post that my team meeting was this week and we had a night of WhirlyBall and LaserTag I had never participated in either of these events before and i just have to say I FRICKIN ROCKED at the LaserTag!!! No kidding. There were 14 of us playing and i won first place out of all of them. Now i will say that my percentage was low with the ammo but who cares?! I shot at everything all the time and it must have worked. I was so crazy surprised but i truly am not competitive at all with any types of games. It was so much fun though and i would go again. I didnt get any pictures because its in the dark. You wear a vest that has these lights on it all over which are targets. The guns recognize the targets when you're aiming at the vest and you shoot. Love it!  I decided that it would be best NOT to play in the WhirlyBall games due to all my back injuries i've had this past year. What is WhirlyBall? Its where you ride these bumper car thingies while at same time have this catcher contraption and you throw a ball at a basketball goal to get points. I had 2 people on the team mention as they took turns in the games that it was a good idea that i sat out. There is a lot of bumping and thrashing in the seats at times and it could have hurt. I really enjoyed watching my teammates be competitive while others just drove in circles and bumping into others. What a fun night and i honestly didnt want to go at first. I was tired and kid of grumpy but i'm so glad i went!
This weekend is kinda of different in that i have no set plans at all. Its nice to relax and do things as they come up. I'm thinking of getting a pedicure tonight and trying to squeeze in a visit to my Dad's tomorrow afternoon. Church for sure on Sunday too. Oh , and i may go to movies with my boyfriend and his kids. Who knows what i may get into?! I need to pack for Vancouver Canada at some point.
Thats it for now. See ya!

Back to Business

I’m much much better now than my last post.  When I landed from Canada 2 weeks ago I went straight to the Dr and got some an antibiotic and more medicine. I was correct that I had a UTI and now I’m prone to having more. I’m not so happy about that. I was in Jacksonville,Fla last week and time flew by. I love going there because I have a lot of great friends to hang out with and its my largest work location so I am crazy busy the second I get there. I had dinner every night with different friends and my hotel was literally ON THE BEACH. I was on 3^rd floor with patio that opened up to ocean view. I was in Heaven for sure. I even slept every night with the patio door cracked so I can hear the waves crash. I took picture every morning of the sunrise but it was cloudy and rainy most every day I was there. I have this tradition with myself that if I’m near the beach I HAVE to walk on the beach and my toes have to touch the sand. Even if its just for a second.  The only time I had chance to do that was my last day there. I got up extra early on Friday and walked down to the beach. It was so worth it.

My toes in the sand

Carrie and me

The Linda's and my friend Mary

On my flight back i sat next to a sweet girl named Ashley who was blind and had the coolest dog named Yale. He curls himself in the smallest ball under the plane seats and is incredible. Ashley is actually going to the Olympics in London this year for Special Olympics.

Working dog Yale

Over the weekend I went out to the country to see my grandmother (Nanny). I always enjoy spending time with her for the day. Bonus for me she had an amazing home-cooked meal for me. I had chicken friend steak (my fave), mashed potatoes, cream corn, pinto beans, rolls and gravy. DELISH!! Seriously, there is no hope of ever dieting when you’re around my Nanny.  I was getting ready to leave and head to Dallas when my uncle called. My Uncle James lives a few blocks from my grandmother and has a great place of land with a pond. He has some miniature donkeys and apparently one had a baby that my uncle was not aware of. He found the baby donkey down by the pond under a fence. He was about 2 days old and was very malnourished and dehydrated. I drove over there to see him and OMG the most precious thing ever! My uncles wife Tara went to the vet and bought some protein packets ,food, etc and had to feed him every 3 hours but he’s good now. The mom donkey does not want anything to do him. I need to call and find out what they ended up naming him.

Precious baby donkey

So this week I’m not traveling and I’m in meetings all week with my team. Its been nice because a few of my teammates live out of state and I maybe see them once a year. We’ve had dinner every night and it’s nice because I didn’t go grocery shopping. Yay for me! Tonight is a mandatory night that we all HAVE to go out and we’re going to a place called WhirlyBird. It’s some kind of thing where we have to drive these bumper car kinda things and throw a ball of some sort. Maybe I’ll have pictures from tonight.

I’m heading back to Canada next week so I’m excited to see what’s in store for me.

Pity Party for One- I want to be at home in my own bed. :(

I am not a happy girl. Beware because this post is simply going to be whining mostly. I am in Toronto Canada this week and I am super sick. I actually got sick over the weekend and its continued to get worse. I am not excited to be out of the USA and to not be feeling well. I was miserable last night in hotel and literally just paced the floors. I seriously may need to go to a Doc in a Box here if today doesn’t improve. I know there are close to zero males who read this so I can tell you what I think I have. I have never had a UTI (urinary tract infection) but I’m convinced that’s what I have. I have to pee every minute- it hurts when I do- my kidneys are aching, I’ve been running a fever, and throwing up. I am drinking cranberry juice today just to feel like I’m doing something. If you’re a praying kind of person I could really use some prayers my way.

Since I haven’t felt well , I have not left my hotel once work is over.  It’s also been raining and snowing here so it’s ugly and no one wants to be out anyway.

I was here last week too but I felt much better. I ate at the hotel restaurant a few times but I did eat too.  We ate at place called Peters on Eglinton. It was a different kind of place because it was a little of everything on menu but it was very good. The portions were HUGE and it was very good. I had grilled chicken kabobs over rice and it was yummy. I haven’t been really impressed with many places to dine here so when it is good it stands out.  When I travel to Canada  I always crave Mexican food. I am so spoiled by many yummy Mexican places in Dallas and I can eat it every day. I wish I had some now.

Today is Ash Wednesday and beginning of Lent season. Do you participate in any Lenten traditions? I used to. I practiced Catholicism for 37 years and always went to church on Ash Wednesday to get my forehead marked with ashes. I would fast and then give up something all during Lent. One year I gave up French fries and it was not a fun time for anyone around me. I have a serious weakness for French fries and it was a hard one to give up.  Now I am a member of a Non-denomination church and I am actually a little relieved about that today. With me feeling like crap I am not sure if fasting today would help my mood.  Even though I haven’t been able to eat much I still want to snack a little.  I do appreciate the Lent season as a time to reflect and get closer to GOD.  I do want to make some special quiet dates with my bible and reflect more up until Easter (well all year but you know what I mean).

So how was your Valentines? Since I had to travel last week here I actually got to celebrate last Sunday on a very nice date. I was taken to a steak restaurant in Dallas called Perry’s. I had never been there. I had some lobster bisque and a delicious filet. The best part is that as we were leaving it started snowing on us. It didn’t stick but it was so pretty and it made it more romantic.  I was just happy to have a date and someone to celebrate with me.

Next week im traveling to Jacksonville, Florida. I love going there so I hope i'm feeling better.  I’ll try to post next week.

SuperBowl and Valentines- So whatcha think?

How does time go by so fast? I haven’t blogged in weeks now.  So how was your SuperBowl weekend? Did you care one way or another on  what team won? Honestly,  once my Cowboys were out of the running, I lost all interest on who would win. I love football and liked both teams in the game though and enjoyed the performances. I loved Miranda and Blake singing together and couldnt be more proud of Texas girl Kelly Clarkson singing the anthem!

 I went over to Dad’s to watch the game with my folks. He ended up having a full on party with 17 people total! Craziness! It got so loud with people talking that I couldn’t hear the commercials and that’s the best part.  I was so crazy happy about the Madonna halftime performance y'all! I think she did an Amazing job and looked fabulous. Yes she almost slipped in those ginormous heels but rocked it the whole time.   My stepmom made the best Chili ever and we had some yummy dips and typical game food. It was fun just all in all. Seeing Dad enjoy himself surrounded with his buddies was enough to make me smile. He seemed very happy and was in good mood.

I’m switching subjects now -So does it matter to you if you participate in Valentine’s at all? I for one love all occasions to buy a card. I am a card junkie and I LOVE giving cards to my friends and family for any reason. My ex-boyfriend was not a fan at all of Valentines and believed it was a”hallmark” holiday made up just to make money.  In the last few years he finally gave in and would buy me a card and maybe some candy but that was it.  I know it may sound silly but I do buy into the hype and think to myself “how great would it be if I had someone to take me to dinner and do something special with the rest of the world”.

From the time we were in grade school and would make valentines for all our classmates and decorate a lunch bag with name on it so we can put the cards in the bag- I’ve been hooked!  Don’t you remember the PTA moms would bring cupcakes and punch and we would have a special time in our day to exchange our valentines and eat our treats? Who doesn’t love a chance to eat dessert and feel special from your friends at same time!  Oh well, I actually will be in Canada next week for work during Valentines.  Cupid has to shoot his arrow a LONNGGG way!!

At this moment I am working in St Louis. I was  here last week too and it’s been a quick 2 weeks.  Last week the weather was so awesome and it was supposed to be cold but never got below 60’s. I love it when I don’t have to schlep my coat around everywhere.  This week  has been colder and it actually snowed last night. I love love love seeing some winter moments!!! It didn’t stick on the roads but I had to scrape windshield this morning off the rental car. I wished it would have snowed more. L I have some friends that live here that I enjoy hanging out with but this week has been such a treat. My girlfriend Caroline that lives near me in Dallas is also here for business. We had dinner Monday night at a yummy little hole in the wall Greek restaurant called the Gyro House. It was so fun hanging with Caroline like we do at home. We also went to a fun resale shop that had vintage clothes.  I bought the cutest blazer that has skulls in the background but very subtle and it was a whole $14 dollars. Woo Hoo! I should have taken a picture of it. The two of us just went to Dallas Museum of Art  two weeks ago to attend the John Paul Gautier exhibit and had a blast!! We went shopping at the galleria after that and had a lunch at Grand Luxe. Just a fun girlie day for sure. Caroline and I are supposed to connect for dinner tonight too so I am looking forward to that.

I most likely wont be blogging again until next week so have a great weekend to those who are reading this. I’ll be in Toronto next week so will try to post then.

Jump for Joy- it's Friday

I love Friday's when i can wear jeans and sneakers to work and it's payday!!! YAY!

Oh our crazy Texas weather! So today it will actually get to 80 degrees here in Dallas. 2 days ago it was in the 30’s to 40’s.  We go back and forth from hot to cold a few times a week and my allergies and headaches are wreaking havoc like crazy. Please don’t think I’m complaining because many of my friends right now in Midwest and Pacific(Seattle) are being hammered with snow and ice. I am only seriously concerned because if it’s already 80 in January, what’s it gonna be like by lets say even May? HOT HOT HOT and that does not make me happy. Ok, enough about the weather.

Tonight I am going to a sold out rock concert to see Tool. I am giggly excited to rock out and lose my voice by screaming WooHoo all night.  I haven’t been to a rock concert in AGES.  Ya’ll remember I went to Robert earl Keen a few months back at Billy Bob’s but this is different. Now the funny thing is that I was supposed to go see Merle Haggard tomorrow night at mentioned Billy Bob’s. BUT, the poor old guy is in hospital with pneumonia and the show was cancelled. Part of me is very sad that I’m not gonna have a full on concert weekend –hard rock to pure country. The other side of me is relieved thought because I’m just not the wild crazy party girl (young) like I used to be and wondered if I could handle both.

I have an officer’s meeting with my CMA group tomorrow also in Waco and we’re meeting at 7am to carpool and follow each other. YAWN. I hope to sleep on the way cuz tonight’s going to be late night. I am looking forward to going though because I missed last year’s and I kinda felt left out. Being surrounded by my sweet CMA brothers and sisters always make for a great day.

Sunday afternoon I plan on visiting my folks. Dad seems to be feeling better from the stem cell therapy and actually thinks his breathing is better. I cant be happier for this my friends! He does have to be on strict Gluten free AND sugar free diet right now while he’s on a certain medication. He cant have dairy either and he misses his big glass of milk that he has every night. This little diet created a lot of extra work for my awesome step-mom Deb. She’s had to get pretty creative and careful on the meals she prepares for him and it’s not all that easy. It’s more expensive and every meal has to be looked at closely to see if there’s sugar.  It’s the small price we pay and is nothing at the end of day when it comes to Dad’s healing. I will do anything humanly possible to see him feel good again.

I also want to mention that my project at work I’m rolling out is going so good. It’s great to not travel and to work with all my Dallas coworkers. I rarely get to work with them on actual project with interaction as a trainer.  Usually its just in the break room while getting my coffee.

Last note of the day, I bought a new mattress set this week and it was delivered today. I hope I like it once I get to really lay in it.  I did buy from place where I have 1 year to return and exchange if I don’t like it.  I gave my old set to one of my best friends and her husband. I love love love my bed but it was too soft for my jacked up back now. I am so glad it went to a happy home. My friends had a water bed that ended up leaking a few months ago and they had to throw it out. They ended up sleeping on an air mattress ever since and that made me sad for them. I love a win –win situation that my friends and me get a new bed to us.

Y’all have a super weekend!!

Another day in Dallas

I am just so happy to be at home right now.  When Sunday’s come around and I DON’T have to pack my suitcase , it makes me a happy girl.  I really really love my job and I actually love to travel but it’s also nice to have this break. I try to take advantage of this time to schedule my dentist checkups, Dr’s appts, etc.  That part is not fun.

I used to be one that would make New Year’s resolutions. This year I decided that my life is just too busy and crazy to set myself up for failure. There are things that I definitely want to work on but if it happens it happens. I would LOVE to get healthier this year. Maybe not just skinnier but actually able to go up 3 flights of stairs without breathing so heavy and sweaty. I have never been so out of shape.  I just simply don’t have the energy to take that walk, or jog, and to go oh at least a few yards where my apartment has a mini-gym.  I got to do something!

My eating habits is my destruction. I don’t like to cook, I rarely cook at all , so that means fast food or quick unhealthy things I can pop in microwave.  I don’t like vegetables either. I know- I am like a 4 yr old being stubborn at dinner time.When I eat a salad I feel so good about myself. I ignore all the facts that I have bacon, egg, cheese, and fatty dressings with croutons. It makes me feel healthier anyway. Being around my family has been great because my grandma and my stepmom are amazing cooks. I just cant hurt their feelings and not eat what they have prepared so maybe I can do better once I do start traveling. Who can pass up home cooking?

I  want/need to read more of my books that are crowding my book shelves. I am addicted to buying books and it will take me forever but I do read every night. I read alot but not enough. My goal is to stop buying books until I read a few more. I have no room at all to squeeze one more book on my shelf. To add to the books, I want to work on my quiet time with God. I have done this before and I feel so much closer to God when I talk to him every day in quiet time. Most of the time its in my car but I do want to read more spiritual books too.

My apartment is overflowing in many unstarted crafts projects. I get so many ideas and go buy the supplies. Then I get it home and don’t complete it. I really need to finish (start and finish) what I have or get rid of some of my junk that’s taking up room. I have done a few and I’m happy for that.

I get home after work and it’s a choice between start a craft or read. I usually end up doing neither and watching TV.  hmmmm

My goals this year are also monetary. I desperately need a new bed and soon. My back is still hurting and probably always will. My TV is still the huge old-fashioned tube tv that I had in storage all the while living with my ex-boyfriend. My DVD player is on the fritz and if i buy a new one it wont get along with my antique TV. So i want new television AND a blu-ray player.  I am looking for an ipod alarm clock too. I can do all of this but no time soon. Did i mention that the week of Christmas i had to buy a brand new windshield and 4 new tires for my truck? My truck was up for inspection and I had to do all that in order to pass.  i had a few days to get it done before January and that was all very expensive!!  Once i pay some of that off ,i can focus on this wish list i just mentioned. Wish me luck.

Well Hellooooo Again

Happy New Year! I am such a complete slacker on my poor blog. I had so many good intentions to post at least a little something here and there but never made it. I went thru Christmas without so much as a peep out here. Soooo, how was your Christmas and New year’s? I will just say that in the past few years I was more on the Grinch side that the Jolly side of holidays. This year was a little of both.

I mentioned many posts ago that my Dad is suffering from a very rare lung disease and in on oxygen full time. His breathing has got much worse and it is very hard to watch him suffer. I spent as much time as I could during my days off to be at the ranch near him. Why do the holidays make what our hard times seem even larger?

On a VERY personal note that I have ever mentioned about myself in this blog- I had been in a relationship for nearly 8 years and it too was struggling. I ended it recently which was never an easy thing to do but every bit the Right thing to do.  My emotions this year had been at its highest due to my Dad’s health. I have NEVER been married my fellow blog readers. For the most part I thought I was ok with that fact. I’m really not trying to be negative and doom and gloom but here are my thoughts. I want my Father to walk me down the aisle to whomever my husband will be. We never know how long we will be here and Dad is losing strength. This has become very important to me and my Ex was not interested in ever being married. I REALLY want to be married now (to the right person of course)!As a Christian woman, I really want to try my best to live the right way in relationships and by that I mean no more living with my boyfriend until marriage. Yep- I also lived with my Ex for a while too. Don’t judge- I had my reasons.

I did have such a great time with many of my family members during the holidays. My sweet cousin Lauren (you’ve seen her in other posts) flew to Texas from Georgia for a few days.  I just have so much fun with her. I took her on a small tour around downtown Dallas. She had never really seen Dallas and i love showing her around. I took her to Sprinkles cupcakes and got a few of my faves. Dallas is so lucky to have one in our city. There is an area called Deep Ellum that has many clubs and restaurants and very fun place to go. Lauren and I met up with our other cousin Jadona and her boyfriend Roy. We went to a fun bar called the Doublewide and yes it was decorated as cheesy as you can imagine. Too fun!

Lauren and I at Snuffer's

Jadona and I at Doublewide

I never did post about my trips that I had to make to Minnesota. I spent two weeks there before Christmas and it was COLD! One day the high temp was 15degrees. The highlight of that trip was a work Christmas party I attended with our vendors in downtown Minneapolis. One of the appetizers was Rabbit. Now before you say Gross! No way! If you truly knew how picky and finicky eater I am. I just have to say that it was DELISH and I would eat it again right now if I could. It was paired with artichokes (which is my fave) and it was creamy and not gamey at all. Really!!

I love trying new things and it being successful.

I really do want to get back to posting often and I have so much to get caught up on. this was a good start though. Ok- one quick brag is that I have literally ached and envied all those with iPad’s and I got my own for Christmas! Woohoo- thank you daddy. J