Gift Idea for the Holidays

This past weekend, we had some friends over to the house. We ate and played the best new game...Pictionary Man. I bought it on a whim, but it was so worth it. It was so much fun and we had the best time. I know what you are thinking....games on a Saturday night?? Well, I am here to tell you that we are bringing back staying in and hanging with friends. If you have someone on your gift list that you just can't figure out what to get...let me recommend Pictionary Man...the commercials don't do it justice!!

Air Force Ball

Well, I writing this out of order...but I forgot all about it! The Air Force Ball with September 26th. Taris and I had a great time. The speaker was really good. Not much to talk about, so I will get the the pictures!

Disclaimer: Forgot to take pictures so the selection was poor...only three to choose from. These are the two with my eyes open!

Kathleen Marshall and I

Taris and I...our only picture together

Air Force vs. Navy

For those of you that might follow football, you might realize that this game was back on October 4th...that is how far behind I am right now. Anyway, being in a Navy squadron, this is the second year that the guys have gone on a cross country to the game. Since it was in Colorado Springs, CO this year, my friend Kathleen and I (along with Jackson) made the weekend trip out there and me the boys. It was a whirlwind trip! We left the Pensacola airport at 5:30...first flight out. After a small layover in Atlanta, we made it to the Springs around lunch time. We had quite the adventure at the Denver airport...that is where we landed...then drove to Colorado Springs, went to the Academy gift shop for shirts for the game, and checked into the hotel. We had a great weekend. Air Force lost the game, but it was a great weekend get-a-way.

After the game

Outside the stadium

The marching band...wings!

Girls Weekend!

My sisters, Alexis and Rachel, came to visit. Of course my only nephew was there as well. We had a great time...went shopping, to the beach, and just relaxed. I am amazed at how BIG Mason is!! At the time of his visit, he was 9 months old and is already in 18 month clothing! I guess that he takes after his father. I am waiting on the pictures from Rae to get here, but until then, here is the first picture of them that I have. They flew here and brought so much stuff, that my trunk was overflowing. I had to put the stroller in the front seat with me and the three of them squeezed into the back seat. Enjoy! I promise more pictures.

The trunk...can you believe it was only for three days!!

First attempt...Mason's eyes were closed

Much better

Marriage Retreat

Back at the start of September, Taris and I had the opportunity to go on a Marriage retreat sponsored by the Navy, exclusively for IP's (instructor pilots). The retreat was at a Marriott Resort in Panama City Beach, FL...about 2 1/2 hours from Pensacola. We had a marvelous time and loved the Panama City area...a great place to visit. We learned a lot...how to communicate better, the importance of being friends, and speaking each others love language. One of the rules for the weekend was that we couldn't watch any television all weekend. If you know us, you know that is hard for this family...what a nice change...I loved it! My favorite part was on Sunday...after the church service and group photo, we had two hours to create a gift/craft for our spouse and write a love letter that would be mailed to us in about a month. I put Taris' gift to me on the fridge and we just got our letters in the mail on Thursday. I was so excited. Anyway...pictures from the trip.

View of the resort from the water

Shell Island...a private island...amazing sand and beautiful water

Taris while we had the afternoon for a date

Me in the warm water

Welcome Gustav!!

In case you aren't up on your current weather...it is a busy hurricane season for the gulf. It's my favorite time of the year...I love the anxiety of should we pack up or not. Anyway, to add excitement to my parents coming to visit, we have a hurricane...a rather big one...coming this way. Life is an adventure. We will keep you posted.

Our Newest Addition

So last summer, Taris and I decided that our yard needed a deck. Taris had talked the year before about doing it himself, but he had a realization and we found a wonderful guy to hire. So, after one year of being up in the yard, we FINALLY got around to staining it. We got Taris a fancy paint sprayer just for the project. And in just a couple of hours...right before the rain, we got it all finished. Enjoy the before and after.

Before the deck

After

The special spot for the grill

Taris...ready to stain

All finished...and put back together

Happy Birthday to Me

I turned the big 2-8! I am not feeling terribly old...just a little. Taris and I had a nice night in. We got new phones for our birthdays...the big gift and all I wanted from Taris was a nice dinner. He had this fancy meal planned. We only made it to the second course before I was full. His intentions were good and he still owes me the mustard crusted leg of lamb and the chocolate souffle. He did get me beautiful flowers and a wonderful evening with just the two of us. Pictures for your enjoyment below.

My flowers that awaited me at home.

Taris fixing our dinner

My only picture of me on the big 2-8

Taris...ready to eat the crab cakes

The crab cakes...Taris was trying out plating.




Crab and Corn chowder...I will have to post the recipe...excellent!

Major Excitement

After months of updating, waiting, and finger-nail biting (me, not Taris)...we got the word we were hoping for. Taris has been waiting on word from the Major's Board...he will be promoted to Major (sometime in 2009)! We are so excited! It is a long story and some excellent lessons have been learned which we have passed on to as many friends that we could...but we are stress free now. Now we just have to see if we get to extend or pack up the family for our next adventure. As nice as it would be to stay, I am getting a little antsy to make another move again. (We won't know anything until at least January.) Anyway, just wanted to pass on our little news!

More posts to come soon! I promise.

Going back to hitting the books

No...you are not seeing a mirage! After several years of wanting to go back to college and get my education, I am finally taking the plunge. No fancy university for me...I am going the more practical route. I am going to attend a local school that specializes in becoming a Medical Assistant. Nothing glamorous, but I have been dieing to get back into the medical field and this will allow me to take the first step...not to mention a little job security! I am very excited. I am hoping to start August 11th, but that all depends on financial aid...and that all depends on our CPA getting our taxes done. (I know what you are thinking= it is July, what taxes?) We have yet to file our 2007 federal income taxes...and I have finally gathered up everything that we are going to need to take to the CPA. (And just for the record: I am not so lazy that I refuse to do the taxes myself, but with a rental house with many tax write-off expenses, we need all the help that we can get!) Anyway, if August doesn't work out...September here we come! I am getting so excited. I need to get my brain back into shape.

My Quilt

Now to catch up on past moments...I learned how to quilt! Kathleen's mom, Sandy aka Honey, was in town for Mother's Day. Mrs. Fitzpatrick is an awesome quilter and also teaches classes. She offered to teach Kathleen and I how to quilt in one weekend. The rules were that we have fabric in hand and all the tools that we needed. What an adventure! I had the best time. We learned how to make a rail fence quilt...easiest one to learn first...to get your feet wet. I posted pictures of the project along the way. Thanks Mrs. Fitzpatrick for your time and instruction!!

Testing out my 1/4" seem on a test piece on Nana Byers' late 50's model Kenmore machine. They don't make them like they used to!

Using the rotary cutter to cut strips...not as easy as it sounds.

Laying my pattern out to be sewn together.

Kathleen's quilt...getting pieced together.

Kathleen is visiting her mom now and is coming back to teach me how to bind off the quilt. When I get the final step, I promise to post the finished product!

Blueberries

It is blueberry season out here in Florida and I have been taking full advantage. So far I have been three times and my freezer is now stocked for a year! I certainly understand why blueberries cost so much in the store...major manual labor! The first little spot was out in Molino...a town smaller than Pace (if you can believe it)! It is about a twenty minute drive, but for $1.00 per pound you won't hear me complain. The blueberry plants were very close together and we were in much need of some OFF. The second place was between Milton and Jay...and across the street from a pecan farm...awesome!! Although these blueberries were $1.50 per pound...I could certainly justify the price different. The rows were spread out, maintained, and they have about twenty different varieties...who knew there were so many types of blueberries. Enough about blueberries. I will stop before I put everyone to sleep. I have posted some pictures below for your viewing enjoyment!

Part of our gang...before the fun began.

Me after we were done. It was a LITTLE toasty out there!!

I am here!

I am SO far behind...do I recap or forget about it and start from where I am now? I haven't decided yet, but I guess you will find out soon enough! Just wanted you to know that I am still here and will be blogging again soon!!

Army Wives

Tonight was the season 2 premier of my all-time summer show...Army Wives...on Taris' favorite network...Lifetime. I love Army Wives because it reminds me of all that I am missing from a normal deploy able squadron.

Anyway, on to tonight's episode. WOW!! I can't believe the premier! How ridiculous! It started with a recap of each of the characters that we met last year. I will spare you a full play by play, and just say this...the ending threw me for a loop! Poor Claudia Joy...she stopped at the Hump Bar to give a check to the owner for a surgery that she needed and ended up being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Her daughter, Amanda, went in to check on her mom in the bar and by the end of the show, she was dead. Very tragic. As my friend Kathleen says...it was the worst season premier she has ever seen! Whether it was or not, it does look like it will be a fantastic season.

Lt John Alley

I haven't written anything on the blog in a while. I have struggled this week on what would be appropriate and right considering the circumstances that have been this past week. This time last week, I received a call from a friend from our squadron that one of the pilot training students, Lt. John Alley, was missing. The police found his car on Saturday morning, but no sign of him. We spent Sunday hanging fliers and speaking with people about John and getting his information out. On Monday, we went to a Memorial Day Celebration in Milton and passed out fliers, and then headed to their church for another canvasing. While there and preparing to headed to our assigned locations, a call came in. John had been found. A 16 year old fishing along the Escambia Bay found his body in the water. It has been a difficult week for all of us in the squadron.

After helping the family with whatever was asked, I have come to know a little about them. I have met John's beautiful wife, Emily, who found out on Friday that they are having a boy and I have met both John and Emily's families. It makes my heart ache even more for them and this time that they are having to go through. They had a beautiful memorial service for him on Saturday morning. After the ceremony, we went out to see the missing man formation with T-34's. They are having the funeral and burial in the Salt Lake City area (where they are both from) this week. There are questions that may never be answered, but I pray that the family can find peace and comfort as time goes on.

Updates...one at a time

Looking at the last time I got on this thing...it has been 10 days! I am so far behind, I am not sure where to even begin. I am just going to update on one subject each day and pray that I haven't lost too many of you along the way...from lack of posting! I will start with my job. AT&T is a huge company. I loved the people I worked with, my boss, and the kind people that I talked with on the phone. What I didn't/couldn't get over was the two solid weeks that I couldn't keep down breakfast or lunch! I had such anxiety about the phone and my numbers, that I was on the best diet ever! My Jenny Craig people loved it...I, not so much! So, after talking with Gary (my coach), he told me to think about it, but that my numbers were pretty good. I kid you not that at lunch that day, I got a call from a staffing company (one of the three that I had sent my resume to while laid off) and they wanted me to come in for an interview. Without making this too drawn out...I left AT&T (with the status of rehirable...as a sales associate) and went to work as a Member Services Representative (teller) at a Credit Union. It is a great place...very small, but it is the banking industry and better to find a job when moving as often as we do! (Did I mention that there isn't a call center around any other base that we would be stationed at?) Anyway, update number one out of the way! Only ten-twenty more to go!

Pottery Time

I know that I keep promising pictures from the conference, an update on work, and everything. I promise I will get to it this weekend!

But for now, I wanted to tell you about how much fun I had at the pottery place. There is a little shop in this "metropolis" that we live in called Woodbine Ceramics. It is just a store to paint your own pottery. I had never done it and decided that I was in need of some me time. I had the best time! I went with Kathleen. We met at 3pm and were kicked out at 6pm. We have to go back and finish at a later time. Painting pottery is a very patient process...every color you paint has to be applied three times!

My mother-in-law is an art teacher for elementary kids, is teaching art on a cruise ship this summer, and lives for art. Her passion for it is amazing! The whole time I was painting, all I could think was how proud she would be that I was painting pottery.

These past couple of weeks have been very long and trying. (I will write about them later.) There is something about being crafty that puts me in a happy place. I needed the pottery store this week. I recommend this therapy to anyone...plus it is cheaper than a shopping spree and you won't grow out of the clothes or shoes!

I promise to post pictures of the pottery adventure this weekend along with all of my catch-up blogs.

PS--Did I mention that I am learning how to quilt this weekend?! Taris thinks that I need to find cheaper hobbies. (I certainly know that he is "grateful" for Nana's sewing machine mom!)

Still Here

In case you were all wondering...we are still here. Working a call center with AT&T can be quite draining. I have so much to catch up on. I shall surely do it slowly but surely. For now, I will say that we are alive and kicking. A light cliff hanger on topics to come...Extraordinary Women's Conference, Cindy's Birthday, Job Rambling...the list goes on. I will be updating tomorrow with pictures and such. Brace yourselves, these next few blogs could/will be lengthy! Enjoy your evening and until tomorrow...

I Survived

...and I don't think I can write much more about it. Today was the first day on the phones at AT&T. Being one of the four from the "back row", I know that BIG things were expected. Without going into too much detail or pity party central, I will leave you with this: I CAN do better, I WILL do better, and I can only go up from here! I know that I will have awesome results tomorrow! So, until then...

On Job

Tomorrow is the big day to get on the phones at my job. To say that I am nervous, would be an understatement! I know that if I just make it through the first call I will be fine. It is just waiting for that first call that might kill me! Anyway, wanted to give a quick update on what is going on with us.

Mullet

Kathleen and I are single this weekend. Both husbands are on cross-countries. So, we decided to go out. We head to Chili's...the only restaurant option in Pace. We are patiently waiting for a table when we see a kid (about 10-11 yrs old). I thought nothing of it, but the look on Kathleen's face was priceless. I asked what was wrong and she proceeded to tell me that the kid with the long hair was a boy. I said no way, not possible. Not one minute later, the family comes back out and believe me when I say it was the craziest mullet I have ever seen! First of all, I didn't know the mullett was making a comeback...I must have missed that issue of Vogue. The front of his hair looked like the cut of any kid...trimmed, bangs straight across, what I would call a standard boy-cut. Then you see the rest. (This is where Kathleen and I differ.) To me it looked like the hair was down to his waist and Kathleen seemed to think that it was about mid back. Either way, it was a blatant mullett!! Only in Pace!

Alarm Clocks

I woke up today at 6:45...according to the alarm! (Which is not good since I have to leave the house by 7:00 each morning to get to work on time!) It is Friday, which means that it was poker night last night for Taris and it is never a good thing that the alarm is on his side of the bed. (Although in his defense, he is good about hitting snooze. My tendency is to just turn it off...a much bigger problem!) Anyway, I woke up frantic and then I looked at the "back-up" alarm...it said 5:45. When the alarm went off this morning, Taris had a hard time finding the HUGE snooze button and hit all of the other buttons just right, which caused the time on the clock to advance one hour. We fixed it, Taris went back to bed, and I got in the shower.

I know that you are saying to yourself...how is she so smart to look at the other alarm? Well, this is not the first time that Taris has hit the buttons wrong on the alarm. About a month ago on a Friday (ironically), Taris hit the alarm and somehow the time was advanced on the clock by TWO hours! This was before the time change so it was not odd that it was still pitch black out. I rushed to the shower, threw my clothes on, let the dogs out, played and fed them, and got in my car to leave. Believe me when I say that I made it to the end of my street before I looked at the clock in my car and realized that it was only 4:50! I turned back to the house and caught up on some television while cleaning the kitchen. From now on, I look at both alarms before getting out of bed...just to be on the safe side.

Work, work, work

Well, it has been a while since I gave an update on work...so here it is! We are finishing up training on Monday and starting Tuesday we will be graded on how we do selling on the phone. By next Friday, we will know if we have a job still or not. I know my products and I have gained a LOT of self confidence since this whole thing started back at the beginning of March, but I am praying that my mouth can spit out the words from my head fast enough to hook the customer and reel them in! This is the first place that I have worked that rates/grades you on your performance numbers...and they certainly have no problem with letting you hit the road if you are not up to par! I ask that you pray for my sanity, my selling, and my adherence (that is what they call your ability to follow your assigned time to be on the phone and not in the restroom, at the trash can, or of course on a personal). I know that I will have SO much more to write about on Tuesday...if my brain doesn't hurt too much!

My Nose

So, I attempted to play with Roxanne and Kacey this morning before I headed out for work. Kacey couldn't find her ball, so I was throwing with Roxanne until she found it. I bent down to pick up Roxanne's ball, when Kacey decides to jump. The top of her head goes right into the bottom of my nose. (Did I mention that it was 6:15 outside and I was not all the way awake...I certainly was then.) Immediately my eyes started to water, my hand went straight to my nose to make sure that it was still there, and I had flashbacks to the day that Rachel, my sister, broke her nose falling into Alexis', my other sister, door jam...she still claims that we pushed her, but that is unsubstantiated. As I am holding my nose, it starts to gush with blood. I run inside, grab some tissue, and get to work to start the bleeding...I hate putting my nose back because then all that blood...well you know. Anyway, the bleeding stops, there is no major swelling on the bridge, and I can somewhat breathe. I will say this...my gums and teeth hurt and I can't stand to have to blow my nose or sneeze. I think that I will survive!

RATS!!!

So, it was a typical Sunday in Wal-mart. My neighbor and I go every Sunday to do our grocery shopping. There isn't a lot of options in the metropolis that we live in here in Florida....your options are Wal-mart or Winn-Dixie. Wal-mart is cheaper...so that is usually where we end up. For some reason, neither one of us had a lot to get...milk, cheese, and produce. We were on our way back up to the front of the store and what do we see...a rat running from produce and attempting to make a bee line for the dairy section! I am from Texas and I will be the first to admit that when we lived in our old house, there was a very small field mouse that took up residence in our home. The animal was eventually eradicated, but never the less, not a great feeling to have. With that being said, I have been up close and personal with small rodents. Believe me when I tell you...this thing was not a mouse! It was a full fledged RAT. It was the kind you see on television when there are shows on about New York. Needless to say, we decided that day that we would through our budgets to the wind and get our produce at Winn-Dixie. And that is the story of how I spent less than $20 at Wal-mart on a Sunday grocery shopping trip!

Puppy Mills

On Oprah on Friday, she did a one hour show on puppy mills with Lisa Ling, a day in the life of a city animal control shelter, and what the humane society and Main Line Animal Rescue are trying to do to help.

I will start by saying that all three of our dogs are rescued animals and I prefer to rescue an animal from the clutches of euthanasia. I had no idea what puppy mills were like. The largest puppy mill county is Lancaster County, PA. Lisa Ling did an undercover story with hidden cameras and I was appalled. Dogs are kept in cages (most the size of rabbit cages), stacked on top of each other, and most of these dogs have never felt dirt or grass on their feet. I was more upset that even with the poor level of living conditions of these animals, there was nothing illegal about what was happening. Dogs are considered a cash crop just like cows, chickens, goats, or anything else, and therefore can be treated as such! Puppy mills are where 99% of all animal stores get there puppies from. (Something to think about when purchasing a new dog!)

I was doing OK until they got to the segment about the day in the life of the Fort Worth, TX animal shelter. At the end of each day, the head guy has to go cage by cage and decides who will get another day and who will be put down. They have to keep track of the reason (i.e. disease- untreatable, disease- treatable but not soon enough, unadoptable- dog fighting, bad home, or no space). These dogs are then put into a special section of cages the following morning and they have one last chance to be adopted by 4 pm that day. Then one by one, they weigh the dog, make the solution, and stay with the animal until they pass on (which can take 3-5 minutes). First, I can't imagine having to make that decision, but then having to also be the one that carries the decision out. (I am tearing up just thinking about it.)

I write about this to say...If you are wanting an animal, check your local shelter. You would be amazed at what pure breads are actually available. If you are looking for a specific dog/cat type, Google it. There are specialty shelters that are dedicated to the rescue of one specific breed, to then be adopted back out. If you already have a dog, please control the population by having your dog spay or neutered. You think it doesn't matter...it does!

The Great Adventure

I promised a certain someone that I would write all about my adventure last night when I got home, but I had to go to bed...so that I could get up for work today... so here it is...I am writing it from my 15 minute break at work.

Yesterday afternoon I got a call from Jessica (one of my neighbors) that they were going to Foley tonight to go shopping at the outlet without the kids and wasn't sure if I wanted to come along. Thursday is poker night for Taris, so I had nothing waiting for me at home for the evening. We hit the road around 5:15, Karen drove. (Now I usually get to Foley, AL by taking Hwy 98. It is the fastest way to go...in case you ever have a need to shop while in Pensacola.) I was just along for the ride on this little trip...and assumed that the two gals had the route all mapped out....not so much! They had decided to take I-10, which you can...its just not as quick. You are supposed to take exit 44...we finally decided to turn around when we got to Mobile! (At exit 35!) I happen to be on the phone with my friend, Kathleen, who was kind enough to map quest it for us. She told us that we need to take exit 44, stay on Hwy 59 south, and we would see it on our left. We finally pulled into Tanger Outlet center at 7:00 pm. Now the stores are open until 9, so we split up and were going to meet up back at the car. By 8:45, my arms could not hold one more bag!

We decided to grab a bite to eat on our way home. We pull into Domino's pizza at 9:15 and proceed to inquire about the specials. They had the sign flashing "Hot and Ready Now" and ask what topping. The guy proceeds to tell us that they just never turned off the sign and reminded us that it IS 9:15 and they are closing soon anyway...like we were stupid for inquiring. Then we ask what the special is that the sign by the road states: "$7 large, single topping pizza all night". The same guy proceeds to tell us that down at the bottom it says Wednesday only. (Really! Its Thursday...walk your butt out there and take it down!!) We finally decide on the Brooklyn pizza special for $9.99. When he rings it up, he tells us that it will be $13.75. A little confused, Jessica asks how the price could jump so high! He says that he rang it up wrong and quotes us the new price. We finally get the pizza, eat in Karen's car, and head home.

I got home around 11 pm...I am usually in bed by 8:30 (9 at the latest) on a work night. I had the best time, great adventure, ready to do it again. But girls...next time I'll navigate!

Funny

I am out of stuff to write about right now, so I leave you with this. Hope it brings as good of a chuckle as it did me!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME (first pet, current car): Hilda Ion

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME (fave ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe): Peppermint Stiletto

3. YOUR NATIVE AMERICAN NAME (favorite color, favorite animal): Blue Dog

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, city where you were born): Jorene Grand Prairie

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name): Hawes

6. SUPERHERO NAME (2nd favorite color, favorite drink): Red Dr Pepper

7. NASCAR NAME (the first names of your grandfathers): Wesley Vern

8. STRIPPER NAME ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy): Givenchy Kisses

9. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): Akers Atlanta

10. SPY NAME (your favorite season/holiday, flower): Christmas Hydrangea

11. CARTOON NAME (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now): Kiwi Jeans

12. HIPPIE NAME (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree): Muffin Pearl

The Frontier State

Today marks the 141st anniversary of the purchase of Alaska from the Russians. You ask yourself...why would I be writing about this? Well, I write in honor of my good friend and college roommate, Davita, who recently became an Alaskan resident. (She was always SO much more adventurous than me!) So with that said...here are some fun facts that were on CBS Sunday Morning. (Disclaimer: I don't usually pay attention to this show, but my allergies are really bad right now and opted to rest at home rather than go to church this morning.)

Alaska was purchased by a man with the last name of Seward for 7.2 million back in 1867...can you imagine that much money now, much less what that would translate to in today's dollars from 1867! The great gold rush began in 1890. In 1925, a sled dog named Balto saved a town by delivering medicine...which led to the creation of the annual Iditarod race in his honor. On January 3, 1959 Alaska officially became the 49th state in the union! In 1968, oil was discovered in the state, which prompted the creation of the pipeline to Valdez. Which led to 1989 (finally a date I can relate to and remember)...the Exxon Valdez Accident. I certainly hope that you enjoyed the fun facts of Alaska! Davita I hope that you had a big celebration for purchase day. I miss you!

VT-3 Easter Eggstravaganza

Well, here are the long awaited pictures that I have promised from the Squadron Easter Party that Kathleen and I co-chaired. For those of you reading this that attended, I hope that everyone had a great time! I know that Kathleen and I did. The party was great. We had hamburgers/hot dogs, egg hunts, games (egg roll, egg toss, and egg on a spoon), and of course a pinata! Enjoy the pictures below!

Taris at the BBQ Pit

Kelly, Ian, and Deborah

The Easter Bunny

The Start of the Egg Hunt...for the little ones

The Egg Hunt...for the big kids

The pinata...before it fell...it was too heavy...who knew a pinata could be too full!

The kids...after we opened up the pinata

The egg roll...a White House Tradition...Taris is the BIG kid in the green shirt

We dyed the eggs the night before...if you look closely, you can see the stripe of color on Taris' nose from the egg

and the winner is...the BIG kid...my man!

Egg on the Spoon Race

Egg Toss

Happy Belated Easter!

Wow! What a horrible blogger I have been lately. I actually have plenty to blog about, but have just been WAY to busy to do anything about it! Anyway, I guess it is better late than never! Hope all of you had a great Easter. Taris and I had a wonderful holiday weekend. We spent Saturday with our squadron for the annual party...more about that at a later post...look for it tomorrow...and Sunday we went to Olive (our church) and met up with the Marshall's at Skopelo's for lunch. The restaurant is supposed to be fantastic...great views of the water and everyone raves about the food! Well with that being said...I think that I need to give the place a second try. The food was OK, but nothing spectacular. All in all, I chalk it up to a very busy holiday for them and not the best server. Enjoy the pictures. Taris and I at the restaurant enjoying the view and a picture of the sign. What can I say...I am WEIRD!

Star Wars- the condensed version

I found this through YouTube. This little girl is a hoot! I hope that all die hard Star Wars fans enjoy!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

Not much to say...have a great St Patrick's Day everyone!

By the way, pretty sure that I forgot to write about this little tidbit of info...we rented our house!! That is right. The couple signed the papers on Saturday. They seem very nice. My sister, Rachel, showed them the house and my mom signed the papers with them. I can't wait to actually meet them. It is so nice to have it rented...and to a couple that I know will care for the place as much as the last couple did!

Alexis' Tote

So my sister, Alexis, has finally decided on fabric for a tote that she wants me to make. The brown is the outside and the blue is the inside. I think that it will be very cute. I am so excited to be getting back to the sewing machine again. I have missed this option of creative outlet! I will keep you updated on how it is going.

Sorry for the unexciting blog entry. It has been a while and I felt like I sould write about something. Life has been somewhat unexciting lately and I know that no one wants to hear about my exciting call center life. I will have plenty to write about in the coming days. The Squadron Easter Party is this weekend and Kathleen and I are in charge. I am so excited for saturday!

Princess Party

Well, I made my first paying gig cake today...technically last night! I was up until 1:00AM working on it. It was for one of the little girls in our neighborhood, Bella. She was having a princess party and her mom wanted petit fours. (By the way to all of you moms out there...they are from the devil and you should stick to regular or sculpted cakes!) Anyway, there was no instruction, I had free reign. My neighbor, Gina, and my friend, Kathleen, came over last night and really helped out. We had the best time. I actually made muffins, sliced off the top to make it smooth, inverted them, and decorated them. They really looked good! I delivered them this morning at 10:00. The parents were very surprised. They liked them a lot and compared me to "that guy on Ace of Cakes". (They weren't Duff Goldman quality, but I REALLY appreciated the compliment.) As Bella's mom said, they are so much better than what she expected...me too! Wow, after reading everything that I wrote I sound a little too big for my britches! Anyway, a BIG THANK YOU to Gina, Kathleen, and Sara Lee (Gina's daughter) for their help and company. Unfortunately, my camera battery went dead and I have no pictures. They got some at the party...so when I get them I will post!

Survived!

I know that most of have been waiting to see if I survived my first week of work...just barely! I am so tired. I have to be there by 8 every day, which isn't bad, but with traffic and the fact that I have to get to the downtown area, I leave the house every morning by 6:50. (I know it sounds early to you...it IS early to me!) My class of 15 is quite an eclectic group. We all seem to get along together pretty well. I do know that this job will be like no other I have ever had and this company is like no other I have EVER worked for! I have homework to study every night. It is definitely a sales position. If you don't hit numbers you don't stay. Apparently their turn over rate is crazy high. (I think that it might have something to do with no sick days. NONE. Your sick, you come to work! You don't come in, you don't stay.) Let me put it this way, the company always has classes of 15 start. According to our teacher, the last class that she instructed two months ago...out of the 15, there are still 7 with the company. (According to her, that is a lot to make it so far!) She keeps telling us that it isn't your skill, it is your will. She will give us all of the skill and knowledge that we will need to survive and thrive, but if we aren't willing to put that skill to work, we will not be staying. I get that.

Other than that, things are going well. I am very tired and my brain is tired of working! I have plenty to do this weekend: clean, cook for the week, laundry, and get ready for the Squadron Easter party (I am co-chair with Kathleen). This coming week will be the final week of my classes at church: the Love and Respect class and the Navigators 2:7. I am certainly glad that they are almost over and not just starting, but I will be sad to not see those ladies weekly! I will try to fill you in on more later!

First Day

Well, I am about to hit the road...and traffic! First day of work. I am sure that I will have plenty to write about tonight! More to come.

Summer Time

Well...it is official!! Beach season has arrived! Today, March 1st, marks the first official day for the lifeguards to be on duty full time, seven days a week! I am so excited. I think that I might go to the beach tomorrow...just because I can. Just wanted to share my joy.

Pictures of Texas

As promised...let the parade of pictures begin. I should probably spread these out over a few days, but they would take too much time and planning. Enjoy!

My neighbors little girl, Kayla, turning 2 next week!

My old neighbors son, Jacob...almost 4!

Mason, growing like a weed!

The Perkins' Family...Rachel, Mike, Mason, and Sassy

Dad, Mom, and Jake

Beejae and Jim (Taris' parents)

Alexis scrapbooking at her house

Me, scrapbooking away!