Fun photos from last weekend

We had a great relaxing 5 whole days off with nothing planned over Thanksgiving. And it was still too short!
We shopped at at fellow CDSers store in Fort Worth...

We ran the Fort Worth turkey trot in the cold cold weather on Turkey day...

We ate too much food the entire weekend...

We had fun goofing off with the family...

We learned to cook some Chinese dishes (namely Chinese fajitas!)

We saw the lighting of the tree in downtown Fort Worth (I've never seen so many peeps in FW!)
We ran in the miseable weather on Sat morning.
And we took our traditional family photos.
Life doesn't get much better than this!

Where does the time go?

December is almost here. I am starting to get in the Christmas spirit but sometimes things can become overwhelming. I have all these ideas in my head that I would like to do, but the execution is the difficult part (for me at least!). I have already ordered my Christmas cards, thank goodness, but I haven't even started on my Christmas shopping. That's why I love e-shopping...I don't have to leave the comfort of my own home!
I am a little annoyed that I will be out of town for work this weekend, when it could have been a nice weekend at home, catching up and getting ready for Christmas. I am trying to let it go and not get stressed about it but, again, sometimes I let little things get me all worked up. I think I inherited this personality trait from my mom.
At least I have some new music to listen to

(I wish I could have seen them live! Hopefully they will be touring next year. Simon's voice is still fabulous and John Taylor is still hot!)

Thankful

The last 5 days went by way too fast. We ate way too much and didn't do much of anything but that's the way I like it!
We have a crazy family but I love them!

Almost home

Just one more day of work until we are on the road to Arlington. (The road to Kona somehow sounds cooler.) Five whole days of resting and relaxation with the fam. I cannot wait. If you are reading this post, please be ready to take tons and tons of photos!

It's funny how I refer to Arlington as "home," even though I haven't lived there for almost 10 years (eek - I will have been in Houston exactly 10 years this coming fall!). I guess home is where I feel comfortable, safe and loved, no matter where the physical location is.

I wish I could dance

We had a FABULOUS time last night watching SYTYCD live! They are too cute and it makes me wish I were 15 again! They performed many of our favorite dances and some new ones as well. Now I wish the new season would start soon...

I forgot

how much I miss her...

and her...

and him...

350th post!

I am off to SF in the wee hours of the morning. I don't think I will be able to post over the weekend, so don't miss me too much!

Brrr

The cold front came through last night so it was about 55 degrees this morning while we were running. I love the cool weather, I just wish it would last! Two more days until I am off the the city by the bay to visit my bff, Shaila! (I am lucky because I have 2 peeps I consider my bfs, besides my dh Joe - Tinger and Shay.)

The Kid is 40

Sigh. I can't believe so many of our friends are turning 40! I don't feel that old...can I still be in my 20s, please?

Berry Hill

We spent another afternoon doing nothing but hanging out at Berry Hill. When are we going to grow up?

A calm night

We are meeting up with our peeps at our favorite restaurant, Collina's in the Heights. They have the best margarita pizza. And no matter what we order we never pay more than $15-20 per person. Gotta love it!

Back in the swing of things

Once I get off my routine, I definitely have a harder time getting back in! I haven't gone to yoga at all and have only worked out 2x. My goal for Nov is to work out at least for 30 minutes everyday. I ran yesterday and am going to yoga tonight, so hopefully I can get back on track.

A new month

The first day of each month always seems like a good way to start fresh. I had big plans to clean out the closet, go to yoga and do some scrappin' today (had to day off from wook - woo hoo!). I guess one out of 3 ain't bad. Can you guess which one I made time for today?
I had lunch with Joe, Marc, Darryl and Daniel at Barnaby's for lunch, then Joe, Marc and I went to Empire for dessert. This is the main reason I skipped yoga - way too bloated from the chocolate cake!
I was definitely on a scrappy roll today. 6 layouts done. I love the gluing of pretty papers and matching the photos and reliving the memories. It's good stuff!

Happy Halloween

Still recovering...

from a ridiculous weekend. Laura, Amy and I threw Peg a party for her birthday. We had lots of food and drink and friends. The party was a definite success, but I am still feeling the after effects, 2-3 days later! I did drag my a$$ out of bed a worked out at the gym for 30 minutes to get the toxins out of my body ;). I am definitely going to be the designated driver tomorrow (Halloween night) as even the thought of alcohol is making me a bit ill.

The moon...

is beautiful tonight. The sky is absolutely clear and the moon is full and shining brightly. I don't have the proper equipment to take a photo, but I just wanted to remembe this moment.

NYC photos

We *heart* NYC

Joe and I just returned from our favorite city yesterday morning. Needless to say I was fairly tired at work! We didn't even go out clubbing as much as we used to, but all that walking around and shopping and eating too much and drinking too much can be exhausting! Not to mention waking up at 3:50 AM to catch a 5:45 AM flight!
Highlights of the trip: watching Xanadu, the musical, disco night at Splash (although Lady Bunny wasn't spinning as good music as she usually does, but there were a few couples who had to be professionals or dance instructors because they were great dancers!), running in Central Park and finding a cool denim sample sale in Soho and buying a pair of True Religions and Rock and Republic jeans for half off each! We took Bill and Juan to dinner on Monday night at this fun Thai restaurant and ate way too much. Afterward we had dessert at this Italien wine bar. I had their Nutella panini with vanilla gelato - delicious! However, now I feel like I need to do a dietary cleanse and eat nothing but fruit and cereal for the next few days.
I will post pictures soon!

Redder is better

I love my new hair color. Luis just did an overall color of red. Since I already had hightlights in my hair some sections are lighter than others. I definitely like the darker color, although I feel I have to wear more makeup because the contrast between my hair and skin is greater. We'll see how long that lasts!

Goodbye roots

I am getting my hair colored/highlighted today during my lunch hour and cut on Thursday. I think I am going to go a little darker with a little red. I also want my hair to be shorter. Still long in the front but shorter in back. I want to be a bit edgier. The problem with short hair is that is grows so fast. With my hair, it just wants to be a bob-length, which is fine but a bit boring to me. Hopefully Luis and David will come up with something fabulous!

Me today

I had a lunch date with a hot guy today. (Blogger is not allowing me to upload anymore photos so more to come laters.) We enjoyed the warm, non-humid weather and were actually able to eat outside!
Don't you love my new tote! I love bags. My sis Ting turned me onto Tory Burch. I bought a white patent leather tote for the summer and I bought this hot pink one in support of Breast Cancer. It's all for a good cause!

Photo of the Day

Two posts in one sitting...I obviously have some time today. We always have our running shoes right outside our front door, so we don't track dirt into our house. Seeing them always puts a little smile on my face. One, it reminds me of Joe and his love for running. Two, it reminds me of our early morning runs together (we don't necessarily run together but we wake up at the crack of dawn together). And three it makes me appreciate that I am fit and healthy and able to run. I want to appreciate the little things in life, the everyday routine stuff, because they may someday change.
I did a POTD album for Sept and am going to continue for as long as I can. We'll see how it works out!

A little late

We went to a fundraiser for an AIDS charity this past Sunday afternoon. The theme was white in Oct, which explains some of the white clothes. Marc and Richie were wearing white pants, which you can't see in the photo.
The party was held at this fabulous house just a few blocks from us. On the top floor they had a cool view of the city, so I took the opportunity to shoot some photos (surprise surprise). Unfortunately the sun was in our eyes, which is why my eyes look even smaller than usual.
The weather here can always be better, but I can't complain that in October I can still wear a tank top and not be too cold!

It never fails

Today was a day filled with scrappy goodness. I left my car at the shop, had the day off, so since I couldn't go anywhere, I just scrapped to my hearts content.
Now, as I am about to hit the hay, however, my allegies attack me all of the sudden. I have been fine all day only to start sneezing and getting a runny and itchy nose. I don't remember my allergies being this bad since I moved to Houston. I don't like to take Claritin before I go to bed because I am afraid it will keep me up, so I guess I will have to suffer. Wish me luck!

Life is precious

Our good friend Amy W is the youngest of 5 siblings. Her older siblings all have kids so she is auntie to many nieces and nephews. This past week one of her nephews, who was only 20 or 21, chose to take his own life. My heart and prayers go out to Amy and her family. Although I did not personally know this young man, I feel so terrible that he would find life so unbearable as to end it when he hasn't really lived yet. We are going to the funeral this morning to let Amy and her family know that we love them and suffer with them.
I think of myself as a pretty positive person but stuff like this always makes me sad. It also makes me appreciate what I have: a wonderful hubby, a fabulous (but crazy) family and friends I know I can count on. At the end of the day, these are the only things that really matter. And these are the things that make life worth living. Michael, wherever you are, I hope you are in a better place now than before and I hope you find the peace that you were searching for.

Breakfast of champions

In an attempt to be more healthy and not consume whole boxes of cereal at a time, I have changed my breakfast routine. Oatmeal with bananas and cinnamon are my new fare. I must admit that this is quite tasty although I still haven't gotten totally over my cravings for a large bowl of cereal yet.

Guilty Pleasures

I admit it. I love TV that a 14 year old girl probably loves. This is what happens when the majority of your friends are fabulous gay men - you can't let go of your youth!

Early birds

We are getting back into our routine of getting up early to work out. Joe is crazed and gets up at 4 am to ride his bike for about an hour; I woke up at 5 and we both went running. I think my body is getting used to the fact that the sun isn't coming up as early now as it did just last month!

Happy October

We finally have some pictures on the wall. After living here only two years. Yes, I am the world's worst procrastinator, as Joe will definitely attest to. I will post some photos tonight.
I can't believe it's almost time for Halloween! Time seems to go by faster and faster...

Tired

We ran this morning and also went to yoga. I love practicing yoga after a run because my muscles are more warmed up, which helps me get into the poses. But now my legs are sore and I am having trouble motivating myself to do anything productive. Sundays are meant to be lazy, right?

Just a tease

When I thought the weather was cooling off...the humidity was still high this morning when Joe and I ran. I have had a harder time getting up early in the AM because the sun is taking its time to rise - typically isn't coming up until after 6:45 or so. Joe rode his bike for 1.5 hours before we ran for 30 minutes. I think I was still asleep for most of the run.
We are planning a trip to NYC in Oct. I signed up for a CE weekend at SUNY optometry so will be spending most of the weekend in classes, but at least we have the nights to have fun! I decided this on Tuesday and was inexplicably in a much better mood afterwards. Having something to look forward to definitely makes life much sweeter. I am also planning a trip to SF in Nov to visit my best friend Shaila and her family. I can't wait!

Fall is coming

The leaves are slowly starting to turn. Houston never gets a real fall where everything turns golden, but the weather seems to be less humid. Of course it could be just a tease and we can get over-90 degree humidity at any minute.
Going through a rough patch right now. Life love the future...too many unknowns. I just need to take one day at a time, I guess.

Back again

When I get out of the habit of doing something, I feel guilty for not doing it and procrastinate it even more. This applies to my life as well as my blogging. I am the world's worst procrastinator.
So last Sunday we had a La Strada/Berry Hill revivial. The weather was amazing and everyone was in such a good mood Joe and I couldn't resist partaking in the fun. So of course we had a hard time getting back onto a good workout schedule last week.
But at least we had a good time. And we're back on track (for today. It is yet another Sunday so who knows what the afternoon will bring?)

Daily Creativity

When Joe is away I find it hard to motivate myself to get up and run. I made it to the gym yesterday, but not so much today. My saving grace is yoga this afternoon.
I am loving the new BPS class I am taking. Doing something creative everyday for the month of Sept. She gives us a layout to do every other day and then a mini project like card or tag the other days. I haven't been doing the mini projects but I love having the guidance to do layouts. I have a hard time designing my own layouts so scraplifing and using sketches are perfect for me!
I also signed up for a class in Oct using kits. Hopefully we'll be making lots of layouts so I can use up my stash!
One more day and I'm off to Wisconsin. This week has felt like a long one even though it's only been 4 days...

It's almost that time

Ironman time! Joe is already in Madison and I will be joining him on Sat. All his hard work over the past 6 months will be revealed on Sunday.

Rainy weekend

Joe and I have had a running/yoga/relaxing long weekend. No late nights. No hangovers. We may just be growing up - um, kind of scary! Joe's Ironman is less than a week away - I am ready for it to be over and I'm not even competing!
We wasted 2 hours of our life this afternoon on a movie titles Self-Medicated. WAY too melodramatic and drawn out, with a lot of bad acting.
That's all for now, I am going to enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Back to school

Well, not really. Thank goodness I am done with real school. Forever, hopefully, but you never know...
I am starting a creativity class at BPS on the 1st of the month. I am debating on taking Shimelle's class too, but I am afraid it will be too much and I won't end up doing any of it!
I am just looking forward to a nice long weekend. Joe has less than 10 days until the Ironman. I can't believe how quickly it had come up!

Ouch

Having a needle stuck in your breast 4 times is not my idea of fun. I didn't feel any pain because of the lidocaine, but I was sore pretty much all afternoon. Good excuse to do nothing but read :). I finished The Queen's Fool by Phillippa Gregory - some good historical fiction about England.
I am looking forward to Sept. 3 3day weekends :). Start a new scrapping class (I am still with BPS even after all the drama). Joe's Ironman is in less than 2 weeks! He's been working so hard so I am sure he will do well.
I guess I should get ready for work now...

Another day

Monday mornings are hard. Especially when one doesn't have a real weekend. At least the light at the end of the tunnel is a 3-day weekend. Our buddies Kirt and Mike are not coming home for Labor Day so we will have to find something else to do!
I also have a dr's apt this afternoon - not looking forward to it. Just a biopsy of my left breast - it's some benign cyst or something, but better safe than sorry! At least it gives me an excuse to take the afternoon off!

Lost my momentum

I was on a blogging roll (albeit a short one), then I went out of town and was thrown off. I loved spending time with Ting and Mom. We did a whole lotta nothing and it was great. This week has been crazy with work and getting up at 4:30 AM to run. Joe's crazy work out schedule is rubbing off on me.

I will just leave with a photos of the girls!

The dancing is over...

and I am most sad! Cute little Sabre won over Danny, Neil and Lacey. I can't believe it! Now we have to wait until November to see more dancing!

Another early morning

We woke up at the crack of dawn today to run. Unfortunately it has been lightening pretty regularly so we had to drive from Memorial to the Met garage. Running aroung the garage definitely is more boring, but I guess it beats being struck down by lightening!

Sleeping in

You know you are used to getting up early when waking up right before 6am seems late. Of course Joe woke up at about 3:30 AM to ride the CompuTrainer before work. Yes, he is crazy crazy! I think, though, even he is getting a bit tired of all this training. I'm sure it will pay off in Wisconsin next month!
We had some major rain and thunder early this morning. Hopefully this will cool things off a bit. Only 2.5 days until I leave for VA...

Dog days of summer

You know it is going to be a hot day when you get in your car at 5 AM to run and the temperature reads 90 degrees. Good lord! We were sweating even before we warmed up!
I am going to visit Tinger in VA this weekend - looking forward to seeing my baby sis as well as her hubby and my mom, who will also be visiting. I have a breakfast work meeting so I guess I should be getting ready.

Monday already?

Sundays are great days because we work out in the morning and have the rest of the day to do whatever we want. Many times the doing nothing involves our friends and hanging out. Yesterday was no exception. We spent the afternoon in Kirt and Mike's pool. They have been working in KC all summer so we really enjoyed spending time with them as well as everyone else (Ken, Peg, Johnny, Matt, Rob, Marc, Joe, Richie, Marc and Darryl). Yesterday was scorching hot as well so being in the water helped cool us down.
But now the weekend is over and it's back to the grind. The OD in Dallas quit, yet again, so Dr. Do is having to travel up there tomorrow and I will be by myself for Tues, Wed, and Thurs. I don't know why the Dallas office has so much drama!
So I am trying to gear myself up. It's very very difficult!

We are so cheesy

So Joe got us, Darah and Marc some tickets to the SYTYCD (So You Think You Can Dance) show coming in November. I'm sure we will be the oldest people there who aren't parents! My love for the dancing outweighs my embarrassment of wanted to see the dancing, so here we go!

Productive morning

Today I ran 4 miles, showered, tidied up the bedroom, did a load of laundry, checked email and cooked part of our dinner, all before 8 am. I get so much more done in the morning than any time of day.
Last night I was feeling just blah. I forgot my yoga clothes so skipped yoga, which may have been why I had a headache. Yoga is good for cleansing the mind, soul and body. No more skipping!
Tinger mentioned wanting to start a blog. Hee hee - I haven't mentioned mine yet. I feel like if people I know realize I have a blog, I will need to be much more witty and clever and interesting than I really am. Not quite ready for that yet!

Here is just a pic of some cuties. Time to start the day!

Say it isn't so

...the long weekend is over. It's back to the grind! Some things to look forward to: cocktail party at Matt and Rob's on Sat night. Kirt and Mike may be back in town for the weekend so we may have some more pool time on Sunday. I am keeping my fingers crossed (it is damn hot and humid out).

Happy birthday

Great weekend! Marc and I started Saturday off by shopping for some jeans at The Warehouse Sale at the Galleria. I found a pair of skinny Chip and Peppers as well as Citizens, total less that $200. We had a yummy lunch at 515 Ruggles Grill in Saks. I finished my shopping with a pair of silver wedges for Marc's party and some new Bobbie Brown makeup. I love getting make-overs - fun to make yourself pretty!

Their party was a great success. Darryl and Joe made some yummy chocolate martinis. We ended the night with dancing at South Beach - I actually got home around 2:30 Am which is not too late for our crew.

D, Marc, Amy and I had brunch on Sunday at Baby Barnaby's before heading over to Club Rue for the pool party. We had perfect sunny weather. Life can't be better than hanging out in a nice pool, sipping pina coladas and catching up with good friends. I wish every day were Sunday afternoon! Kurt and Mike are supposed to be home next weekend so we can hopefully have another pool afternoon.

I am off to scrap my afternoon away. Love my Mondays off!

I can't wait...

for the weekend to begin! This week has seemed interminable...I wish we could have a balance at the office between being too slow (this week) and being too crazed (most other weeks). Sigh. I guess there's just no winning!
We are losing one of our best technicians today as well. She is off to optometry school in a few weeks. I am so happy for her future but she will be missed.
Miss Marc's bday is this weekend. Darryl and he are hosting a cocktail party at their house on Sat night and the Rues have opened the pool on Sunday! I am so looking forward to spending some fun time with our friends. And no work on Monday - even better!