Writing a new post on this fancy new template that Blogger has now. How exciting. As I'm writing and looking around this template, I have decided that I really like it already (in these few short seconds) because it looks almost like I'm in Microsoft Word.
Word.
Much better. Oh! I just saw the "Schedule" button on the side! Does that mean I can write this blog now (at 10:43pm) and "schedule" it to "go live" tomorrow morning at 8am?! I think it dooooooes!
Totally groovy. I'm sold.
New Topic.
Transitions. So I've decided that 2012 was a year of transitions for me. In many different ways. Some significant, some not. Some I'll mention here; some I won't. Some were good; some, not so much. But all the same, I think 2012 definitely was a defining year in my life!
Here's a recap of my Top 10 Transitions in 2012:
10. Transitioned from a 12lb to a 14lb bowling ball. And hopefully that will transition into a 180+ average for the second half of the season!
9. Transitioned from having a long-lost-sibling to having my Bubba home finally from the Peace Corps! Now instead of being thousands of miles away, he's only 1.2 miles away at my momma's house! Glad to have him back!
8. Transitioned from wishing I played softball again to actually playing (and coaching) a co-ed softball team! We played all 3 seasons in 2012 and had a blast! We even won a trophy!
7. Transitioned from not working out, to working out, to not working out, to working out, to not working out....you get the idea. Ugh.
6. Transitioned from being thisclose to getting my black belt in Taekwondo to being t h i s c l o s e (not close) to getting it. Uggghhh so frustrating. But, I had other things going on and my school was kinda expensive. Exploring the possibility of joining a new school this year and FINALLY getting that damn thing...
5. Transitioned from constantly worrying about stupid, trivial things to realizing what really matters and focusing on that! Thank God!
4. Transitioned from never wearing foundation to wearing it (almost) every day! I finally found one I like and learned how to apply it the *correct* way! Hooray!
3. Transitioned from one job to a completely different job. Honestly, I liked my previous job but I was becoming increasingly bored, never challenged, and really didn't see where it was leading. I LOVE my new job! It challenges me every day and already I see myself growing more confident and professional, and I think I finally know what I want to be when I grow up!
2. Transitioned some significant friendships. Some I've pushed away; some I've held more tightly than ever; some faded but came back. Overall I think I've got a pretty gosh darn good group of close friends that I love dearly.
1. Transitioned from being a Miss to a Mrs.! FINALLY! I married my best friend and the man of my dreams (so cliche but so true!) on March 3rd! Married life is no different but so different at the same time! I grow more and more in love with him every day and sometimes I feel as nervous and giddy around him as I did 8 years ago! I can't wait to see what the next 8 years (and more!) have in store!
So there you have it. Many more "transitions" from 2012 but too many to post here. Suffice it to say (again) that it was a BIG year for me! I think 2013 has a LOT to live up to! Although I'm sure it won't let me down :-) Let the adventure begin!
January 22, 2013
April 17, 2012
New favorite ingredient!
I don't do it all the time, but I really do love cooking. I enjoy making new recipes and adding my own little flares and flavors to things and seeing how it turns out. I would cook every night if I could! Really! But...UGH...I just hate how long it takes sometimes!!! Why is it that all the really cool-looking, delicious-tasting, mind-blowing meals have a prep time of 4 days and an additional 5 hours of cook time?! I mean seriously, who does that?! NOT this girl.
No, most of my meals are pretty simple. Occasionally I'll spend 45 minutes to an hour making dinner. But most times, I prefer for my meal to be ready in 30 minutes or less. I mean c'mon...I've got things to do in the evenings. Like think about going back to taekwondo, and checking facebook, and reading Harry Potter (I'm on book six finally), and thinking about going to the gym, and taking a bubble bath!
Which is why I was absolutely thrilled to learn about this new ingredient that I had never experienced before until I stumbled upon it on another blogger's page. What is this amazing ingredient you ask? Well. Let me tell you. It is delicious. It is (somewhat) healthy. It is PRECOOKED. It comes in lots of different yummy flavors. Did I mention that it's precooked? Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce you to the new star of at least 2 of my home cooked dinners each week from now on: Chicken Sausage!!!
Haha! Surprised? Probably alot of you already know about this product and have used it many times. I, on the other hand, am the kind of "cook" who thinks that the only two things to make a meal around are chicken breast or hamburger meat. Okay, and maybe occasionally tuna or salmon. I tend to steer clear of anything else. Not because I don't like anything else, but mostly because I either A) don't know how to cook it, or B) don't know that it exists!! Like Chicken Sausage! But now that I have found this wondrous food, you can bet I'll be adding it to my grocery list every week!
The kind I bought was the Johnsonville brand, and I got two packages: one package of Chicken Sausage Apple and one package of Chicken Sausage Chipotle Monterey Jack Cheese. I used the apple flavor last night and it was perfect. You could just taste the hint of sweet apple, and it complimented the light lemon-butter sauce I made perfectly. The blog that I got my inspiration from recommended a different brand (Al Fresco) but they didn't have it at my Tom Thumb. I don't think they offer it in Texas at all - I checked the website already. It does look good though. And it's actually more healthy than the Johnsonville brand, so if you have access to that or something else, I'd say go for it. Either way, its still healthier and has less fat than regular sausage.
And now for the actual meal. Here's my ingredient list. I know it is super long and complicated....
First I cooked the pasta and when it was about half way done, I added the chopped asparagus to the water. This is method serves 2 purposes: 1) you use one less pot/pan to cook the asparagus and 2) this is about the perfect amount of time to cook the green vegetable without it getting too soggy and mushy. Because seriously, who likes mushy green vegetables? As the noodles and asparagus are cooking, I took 3 of the chicken sausages and sliced them to about half-an-inch-or-so thick and threw them in a pan on medium heat to warm up (just a few minutes will do since they're already cooked!!) Next, I took the spinach, tore it into smaller pieces, and threw that into the bottom of a colander. Then, I drained the perfectly cooked noodles and asparagus into the colander, allowing the hot water to wilt the spinach just enough so that I can add it seamlessly to my dish. Then, I tossed everything (noodles, asparagus, spinach, chicken sausage) and added a little bit of Smart Balance and some lemon juice. And VIOLA! A super delicious, mostly healthy, husband-approved dinner that was literally prepared, cooked and eaten within 30 minutes.
No, most of my meals are pretty simple. Occasionally I'll spend 45 minutes to an hour making dinner. But most times, I prefer for my meal to be ready in 30 minutes or less. I mean c'mon...I've got things to do in the evenings. Like think about going back to taekwondo, and checking facebook, and reading Harry Potter (I'm on book six finally), and thinking about going to the gym, and taking a bubble bath!
Which is why I was absolutely thrilled to learn about this new ingredient that I had never experienced before until I stumbled upon it on another blogger's page. What is this amazing ingredient you ask? Well. Let me tell you. It is delicious. It is (somewhat) healthy. It is PRECOOKED. It comes in lots of different yummy flavors. Did I mention that it's precooked? Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce you to the new star of at least 2 of my home cooked dinners each week from now on: Chicken Sausage!!!
 |
| 1 Link: 180 calories; 12 grams fat; 820 mg sodium; 13 grams Protein |
Haha! Surprised? Probably alot of you already know about this product and have used it many times. I, on the other hand, am the kind of "cook" who thinks that the only two things to make a meal around are chicken breast or hamburger meat. Okay, and maybe occasionally tuna or salmon. I tend to steer clear of anything else. Not because I don't like anything else, but mostly because I either A) don't know how to cook it, or B) don't know that it exists!! Like Chicken Sausage! But now that I have found this wondrous food, you can bet I'll be adding it to my grocery list every week!
The kind I bought was the Johnsonville brand, and I got two packages: one package of Chicken Sausage Apple and one package of Chicken Sausage Chipotle Monterey Jack Cheese. I used the apple flavor last night and it was perfect. You could just taste the hint of sweet apple, and it complimented the light lemon-butter sauce I made perfectly. The blog that I got my inspiration from recommended a different brand (Al Fresco) but they didn't have it at my Tom Thumb. I don't think they offer it in Texas at all - I checked the website already. It does look good though. And it's actually more healthy than the Johnsonville brand, so if you have access to that or something else, I'd say go for it. Either way, its still healthier and has less fat than regular sausage.
 |
| 1 Link: 160 calories; 7 grams fat; 480 mg sodium; 14 grams Protein |
And now for the actual meal. Here's my ingredient list. I know it is super long and complicated....
- about 2 servings (4 oz) whole wheat Rotini pasta
- chopped asparagus (about a third of a "bunch")
- 2 handfuls of fresh spinach
- 1 package Johnsonville Chicken Sausage with Apples (I only used 3 links)
- Tablespoon (or two) of Smart Balance
- A few squirts of lemon juice (fresh would be best but I used bottled)
First I cooked the pasta and when it was about half way done, I added the chopped asparagus to the water. This is method serves 2 purposes: 1) you use one less pot/pan to cook the asparagus and 2) this is about the perfect amount of time to cook the green vegetable without it getting too soggy and mushy. Because seriously, who likes mushy green vegetables? As the noodles and asparagus are cooking, I took 3 of the chicken sausages and sliced them to about half-an-inch-or-so thick and threw them in a pan on medium heat to warm up (just a few minutes will do since they're already cooked!!) Next, I took the spinach, tore it into smaller pieces, and threw that into the bottom of a colander. Then, I drained the perfectly cooked noodles and asparagus into the colander, allowing the hot water to wilt the spinach just enough so that I can add it seamlessly to my dish. Then, I tossed everything (noodles, asparagus, spinach, chicken sausage) and added a little bit of Smart Balance and some lemon juice. And VIOLA! A super delicious, mostly healthy, husband-approved dinner that was literally prepared, cooked and eaten within 30 minutes.
Ah-mazing. :-)
How much time do you usually spend making dinner?
Do you do anything special to decrease the prep/cook time?
Are there any ingredients you constantly use that make your meal making a breeze?
January 23, 2012
2011 In Review
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
I skied my first double black at Breckenridge…and got engaged!
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I kept some of them – I graduated with my master’s degree and lost a tiny bit of weight.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My friend Emma had a boy in December – Nolan David Webb
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank God. Hopefully we are done with that for a while.
5. What countries did you visit?
None – just stayed in the good ole USA – but I went to a lot of states!
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you didn't have in 2011?
More money.
7. What dates from 2011 will be etched upon your memory, and why?
April 14th because that is the day that the love of my life proposed to me :-)
8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?
Graduating with my MBA.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not keeping up with Taekwondo and not saving/spending money wisely.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No – just the usual cold here and there.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Ummm probably new clothes and shoes. It was time for a wardrobe upgrade. ;-)
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Luis’s for sure! He’s definitely grown a lot. And a few of my friends who have once again shown that they are here for me and support me no matter what!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Those who shall not be named.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Ugh. I have no idea. Bills. Clothes. Probably to lots of stuff it didn’t need to go to.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Getting engaged and all the wedding planning with my mom, family and friends!
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Probably any song by Adele. <---agreed. That, and anything by Lady Antebellum
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier; Thinner; Poorer!!!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Saved money; gotten more organized.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worry and stress out over shit that doesn’t matter, and spend money.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
We spent Christmas in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado with my dad’s side of the family. We skied and ate and had a great time hanging out with family! Then we had a nice quiet Christmas at home with my momma!
21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
I fell even MORE in love with Luis. :-) And I got a huge crush on Josh Duhamel and an even bigger one on Timothy Olyphant.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Justified.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Ohhhh hate is such a strong word. Let’s just say that I feel differently about some people.
24. What was the best book you read?
Top 3: Hunger Games Trilogy, Water for Elephants, Harry Potter series (up to book 5)
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ummm, Adele. Although I didn’t really discover her, but I LOVE her. And I discovered that I like hip hop/dance music a lot more than I used to.
26. What did you want and get?
I wanted to graduate, and did. And I wanted to get engaged, and did. And I wanted new clothes, and got them!
27. What did you want and not get?
I wanted to get my black belt in TKD but I slacked off. This year for sure!
28. What was your favorite film of 2011?
Ohhh goodness, I’ll have to go look at a list…. Okay I don’t think I have one favorite but here are a few that I really liked: The Tree of Life, Transformers 3, Bridesmaids, One Day, the last Harry Potter
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
We shall not speak of how young I am. But I had a wonderful dinner at El Finex with my family and then Luis and I kicked it old school at Sevens – our old hangout. I would have liked to done something bigger but it just never works out, being born on New Year’s Eve. Maybe next year… ;-)
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not having to deal with drama. And having more money.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2011?
Progressive! I own skinny jeans! I’d say I’m doing fairly well compared to years of past!
32. What kept you sane?
Luis. My momma. Danielle. Lauren. Timothy Olyphant.
33. What political issue stirred you the most?
That one bill that gives the government the right to arrest and hold without trial American citizens. Seriously?
34. Who did you miss?
My old friends from college who I never see anymore :-(
35. Who was the best new person you met?
LOL…did I meet a new person? Ummmm….I’m sure there’s someone…okay maybe not. No one that left an impression at least! (How terrible!)
36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Oh I think a learned a few: 1. People do change. Some for the better; some for the worst. 2. Some people never change.
37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Actually, two different songs come to mind: The first: “It’s one door swinging open and one door swinging closed…We’re holding on and letting go.” – Ross Copperman. The second, “I’m sexy and I know it” – LMFAO :-)
I hope your year was happy and I hope that 2012 is filled with many blessings for you and me.
January 3, 2012
November 7, 2011
Look! A post!
Oookay so it's been way too long since I've written. Thanks to Lauren and Gianna, now I feel like I need to get on the ball here and make some more posts!!
And what is there more exciting to talk about than my upcoming nuptials?! We are a little under four months away! I can't believe time has gone by so fast! I remember a few weeks after the engagement talking about a possible October 2011 wedding and thinking that it would be no problem to throw together in that (huge) amount of time. No worries that I was in my last semester of grad school....I could totally do it. And now October has come and gone and I see that there would have been NO WAY I could have planned everything the way I wanted in that amount of time. So many things to consider and take care of! While I was jumping at the bit to have a wedding as quickly as possible (hey, I already waited SEVEN years!), I am glad we decided to hold off until the Spring. It has been a much more enjoyable ride than I expected and I am really getting to cherish every moment of precise wedding planning with my family and friends!
What have I done so far you ask? Well let me tell you all about it! Wedding venue? Check! Wedding reception site? Check! Dress? Check! Invitations? Check! DJ? Check! Amazing Bridal party? Check! Complimentary wedding colors chosen? Check! Photographer? Double Check! Awesome photo booth? Check!
I do have to give a shout out here about our wonderful photographers. They are Chelsea and Mack McGowan, of McGowan Images. This awesome husband and wife duo are the coolest couple! And their photography skills are amazing! They really captured the essence of our relationship in our engagement pictures and we had such a fun time doing them! I am so glad they are going to do my bridals and the wedding as well! I am SUPER excited about getting my bridal pictures taken. We are doing them at the Winspear Opera House in the Arts District in downtown Dallas. I think they are going to be pretty awesome. :-) We love you Chels and Mack! Most of you have probably seen our pictures on their blog and facebook, but I'll post a few here, just to show off again. I highly recommend them for your next photo session.
So what's left? Flowers. Cake. Alcohol. :-) Oh, and the Bachelorette party. Can't wait!!!
And what is there more exciting to talk about than my upcoming nuptials?! We are a little under four months away! I can't believe time has gone by so fast! I remember a few weeks after the engagement talking about a possible October 2011 wedding and thinking that it would be no problem to throw together in that (huge) amount of time. No worries that I was in my last semester of grad school....I could totally do it. And now October has come and gone and I see that there would have been NO WAY I could have planned everything the way I wanted in that amount of time. So many things to consider and take care of! While I was jumping at the bit to have a wedding as quickly as possible (hey, I already waited SEVEN years!), I am glad we decided to hold off until the Spring. It has been a much more enjoyable ride than I expected and I am really getting to cherish every moment of precise wedding planning with my family and friends!
What have I done so far you ask? Well let me tell you all about it! Wedding venue? Check! Wedding reception site? Check! Dress? Check! Invitations? Check! DJ? Check! Amazing Bridal party? Check! Complimentary wedding colors chosen? Check! Photographer? Double Check! Awesome photo booth? Check!
I do have to give a shout out here about our wonderful photographers. They are Chelsea and Mack McGowan, of McGowan Images. This awesome husband and wife duo are the coolest couple! And their photography skills are amazing! They really captured the essence of our relationship in our engagement pictures and we had such a fun time doing them! I am so glad they are going to do my bridals and the wedding as well! I am SUPER excited about getting my bridal pictures taken. We are doing them at the Winspear Opera House in the Arts District in downtown Dallas. I think they are going to be pretty awesome. :-) We love you Chels and Mack! Most of you have probably seen our pictures on their blog and facebook, but I'll post a few here, just to show off again. I highly recommend them for your next photo session.
So what's left? Flowers. Cake. Alcohol. :-) Oh, and the Bachelorette party. Can't wait!!!
July 25, 2011
Fight Heart Disease and Stroke
Unfortunately, too many of us have a loved one affected by heart disease or stroke. To help stop this, I will be walking in this year's Heart Walk benefiting the American Heart Association. This is the third year that I have participated and strongly support this cause. I have set a personal goal to raise funds that are needed for critical heart disease and stroke research and education.
You can help me raise funds and protect those you love by making a donation online. Click on the link below or on the icon on the left side of the page to visit my personal donation site where you can make a secure online donation. The American Heart Association's online fundraising website has a minimum donation amount of $25.00. If you prefer a smaller amount, you can do so by sending a check directly to me.
Your donation will make a difference in the fight against our nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers-heart disease and stroke. Thank you for your support!!
If you are interested in participating in the Dallas Heart Walk, it will be held at Victory Park in downtown on September 10th.
You can help me raise funds and protect those you love by making a donation online. Click on the link below or on the icon on the left side of the page to visit my personal donation site where you can make a secure online donation. The American Heart Association's online fundraising website has a minimum donation amount of $25.00. If you prefer a smaller amount, you can do so by sending a check directly to me.
Your donation will make a difference in the fight against our nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers-heart disease and stroke. Thank you for your support!!
If you are interested in participating in the Dallas Heart Walk, it will be held at Victory Park in downtown on September 10th.
July 18, 2011
LolaLand Creations: 250 Facebook Fan Giveaway
Head over to my dear friend Laura's blog today and enter her giveaway for a super cute crocheted baby headband (there's an adult one too if you don't have a baby!)
LolaLand Creations: 250 Facebook Fan Giveaway:
Check out her Facebook page and see all the adorable handmade products!
I mean seriously! How cute is this?!
Go visit her and tell her I sent you!
LolaLand Creations: 250 Facebook Fan Giveaway:
Check out her Facebook page and see all the adorable handmade products!
I mean seriously! How cute is this?!
Go visit her and tell her I sent you!
July 5, 2011
Paper
So yesterday we ordered the Save-the-Date cards! I'm so excited!!!
We're getting all the paper products from this company called MagnetStreet. They have entire wedding suites complete with coordinating save-the-dates, invitations, programs, thank you cards, envelopes, return address labels, etc. I'm usually not the "matchy-matchy" type, but for this occasion, I think it's okay. And the prices are relatively decent...I think.
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I'm not thrilled with the picture we used, but it will do. It's one of a few recent pictures we have together. We won't have our engagement pictures done until the fall and I don't want to wait that long to send out theSTDs save-the-dates. We took this one on the sunset cruise in Port Aransas. My face is sweaty glistening from the heat. I tried to edit it a little. Of course Luis looks picture-perfect, as usual. :-) Such a cutie!
I'm hoping that next weekend I can start looking at dresses.....!!!! Should be exciting!
We're getting all the paper products from this company called MagnetStreet. They have entire wedding suites complete with coordinating save-the-dates, invitations, programs, thank you cards, envelopes, return address labels, etc. I'm usually not the "matchy-matchy" type, but for this occasion, I think it's okay. And the prices are relatively decent...I think.
I'm not thrilled with the picture we used, but it will do. It's one of a few recent pictures we have together. We won't have our engagement pictures done until the fall and I don't want to wait that long to send out the
I'm hoping that next weekend I can start looking at dresses.....!!!! Should be exciting!
April 6, 2011
WHOOP!
Texas A&M Women's Basketball
National Champions
And another GREAT article about the women's basketball team.
March 31, 2011
King Dog
Doesn't he look just like one of those Sphinxes in Egypt? He looks so solemn and powerful.....
Kinda like this guy, but without the messed up face......
King Didger.
March 24, 2011
Thought for the day
“Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.” — Herman Hesse
February 1, 2011
Go Red!
In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an “older man’s disease.” To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women – a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health. (www.goredforwomen.org)
The American Heart Association's National Go RED for Women day is this Friday, February 4th. Wear RED and show your support for the fight against heart disease, the number one killer of women in the United States. Go HERE to make donations, sign up for the Go RED movement, take the Heart Check Up, get heart healthy recipes, and much more!
January 27, 2011
It's Time....
for a new post!
I'm so tired of seeing that stupid blog about how terrible Tron was. I have nothing really to say at the moment but I felt the need to post something else to keep things moving. :-p
In other news:
I was reading back a year ago to this post I made about my resolutions and goals for the year 2010. I am happy to report that most of my goals I accomplished. However, there are some that haven't materialized yet, namely the running another half marathon thing. My knees have given me too much trouble lately, and between Taekwondo a few nights a week and bowling and studying, I just haven't had the time to devote to running. Maybe this year? Speaking of school, I am glad to report that I have maintained my 4.0 GPA and have actually changed degree plans a few times. After a lot of research, I have finally settled on MBA with healthcare emphasis as the best route for me. Plus it gets me finished faster; I'll graduate at the end of this summer as opposed to next spring! Another one of my goals last year was to stick with TKD and get to at least red belt, which I have done! In fact, I just tested for my black stripe this past Tuesday. Which means that in about 4 more months, I'll be black belt! Watch out! Another of my goals was to join a young professional or volunteer group; that hasn't panned out either but its more because of a lack of time than lack of energy. I did join a quilting group though, does that count? And I've been doing a ton of sewing. Check, check, check.
Now its time for new goals and resolutions for 2011. Here are a few that I'll share with you. :-)
And finally, here are some pictures of me from the tournament that my TKD school put on back in December. I competed in the forms, breaking and sparring competitions. I got 2nd place in forms and breaking......
I'm so tired of seeing that stupid blog about how terrible Tron was. I have nothing really to say at the moment but I felt the need to post something else to keep things moving. :-p
In other news:
I was reading back a year ago to this post I made about my resolutions and goals for the year 2010. I am happy to report that most of my goals I accomplished. However, there are some that haven't materialized yet, namely the running another half marathon thing. My knees have given me too much trouble lately, and between Taekwondo a few nights a week and bowling and studying, I just haven't had the time to devote to running. Maybe this year? Speaking of school, I am glad to report that I have maintained my 4.0 GPA and have actually changed degree plans a few times. After a lot of research, I have finally settled on MBA with healthcare emphasis as the best route for me. Plus it gets me finished faster; I'll graduate at the end of this summer as opposed to next spring! Another one of my goals last year was to stick with TKD and get to at least red belt, which I have done! In fact, I just tested for my black stripe this past Tuesday. Which means that in about 4 more months, I'll be black belt! Watch out! Another of my goals was to join a young professional or volunteer group; that hasn't panned out either but its more because of a lack of time than lack of energy. I did join a quilting group though, does that count? And I've been doing a ton of sewing. Check, check, check.
Now its time for new goals and resolutions for 2011. Here are a few that I'll share with you. :-)
- Lose 10 lbs by May 1
- Achieve black belt status by June
- Join a church and attend regularly
- Get involved in some way at said church
- Graduate in August with a 4.0 GPA
- Save more money by bringing my lunch to work every day instead of buying in the cafeteria
- Pay off one of my credit cards by August
- Have plans in place to visit my brother in Morocco, either this fall or next spring
- Celebrate my 30th birthday/NYE in Times Square, NYC
- Spend more time with my parents
And finally, here are some pictures of me from the tournament that my TKD school put on back in December. I competed in the forms, breaking and sparring competitions. I got 2nd place in forms and breaking......
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| I beat out 3 black belts for 1st place in Sparring :-) |
December 30, 2010
Must Be a Guy Thing
So Luis and I went to see Tron last night. I will admit, from the previews, it did look like a good movie and one that I wanted to see. So when he invited me on a date last night, I was all about it.
After actually seeing it though, I was a tad disappointed. The best part for me was the music. A little trance, a little techno, a little hypnotic at times. It was really excellent. Secondly, I enjoyed the graphics and special effects. The little glowing lights that flashed out of the motorcycles (I don't remember what they were called in the movie) and the way the whole tron city glowed was cool. And Quora's black hair. That was awesome. And.....that's about it. In all honesty, I thought the movie sucked overall. I kept waiting for the scene that would pull me in and make me forget I was in a theater, but that never happened. The fact that it was in 3D was part of the problem; I kept fidgeting with my glasses the whole time, and bits of light kept reflecting off the plastic lenses and I could never get a clear view without having to constantly adjust and tilt my head certain ways. Why it was in 3D to begin with, I have no idea; I don't remember a single 3D effect. I think the whole thing would have been better if they left it in 2D. Luis actually agreed with me on this one. Also, I thought the acting was terrible. Whoever that kid was that played Sam was ridiculous. Especially at the beginning pulling all his shenanigans. The plot itself was really hard to follow and I felt like I had no idea what was going on. How did Sam's dad get into the....what was it? A computer? Where, exactly, were they? How did that laser thing transport him there, and what was that laser thing? And why did that disk thing have all his information from before he entered that world? Wouldn't it only have info that he learned while in that world and not in our world? What would have happened if CLU and the other "programs" got into our world? Would they exist as programs and computer viruses or would they take a human form? WHY WASN'T ANY OF THIS EXPLAINED?!? Ugh I just can't stand that. Luis couldn't even explain it to me after the movie was over. He eventually had to admit that it wasn't a movie to understand but one to appreciate the graphics and special effects. Fine. Whatever.
I need something more than just flashing lights and a good beat though. On the drive home I started grasping for anything I could get my head around to make this movie have some kind of impact or meaning in my life. I finally decided on the parallels it could have drawn between God and man. God created man in his own image and gave him the world to crate a utopia; just as Flynn created CLU in his image and asked him to create the perfect world. Human nature sets in and corrupts CLU though, just as it corrupted man, and he becomes self-righteous and evil, committing genocide on an entire "population" of iso-....iso-...I don't remember. Iso-somethings. He kills them all because he considered them imperfect and unworthy. And that's about as far as I got. I almost tried to relate Sam to Jesus, as the son of God (Flynn) who comes to Earth (Tron) to save the world....but that got a little complicated so I had to stop.
I guess some movies aren't meant to have a deeper meaning. Some movies really are created just to show off flashes of light and loud noises and cool costumes and fast motorcycle-thingys and other special effects and video games. And they are "TOTALLY AWESOME"!
Must be a guy thing.
After actually seeing it though, I was a tad disappointed. The best part for me was the music. A little trance, a little techno, a little hypnotic at times. It was really excellent. Secondly, I enjoyed the graphics and special effects. The little glowing lights that flashed out of the motorcycles (I don't remember what they were called in the movie) and the way the whole tron city glowed was cool. And Quora's black hair. That was awesome. And.....that's about it. In all honesty, I thought the movie sucked overall. I kept waiting for the scene that would pull me in and make me forget I was in a theater, but that never happened. The fact that it was in 3D was part of the problem; I kept fidgeting with my glasses the whole time, and bits of light kept reflecting off the plastic lenses and I could never get a clear view without having to constantly adjust and tilt my head certain ways. Why it was in 3D to begin with, I have no idea; I don't remember a single 3D effect. I think the whole thing would have been better if they left it in 2D. Luis actually agreed with me on this one. Also, I thought the acting was terrible. Whoever that kid was that played Sam was ridiculous. Especially at the beginning pulling all his shenanigans. The plot itself was really hard to follow and I felt like I had no idea what was going on. How did Sam's dad get into the....what was it? A computer? Where, exactly, were they? How did that laser thing transport him there, and what was that laser thing? And why did that disk thing have all his information from before he entered that world? Wouldn't it only have info that he learned while in that world and not in our world? What would have happened if CLU and the other "programs" got into our world? Would they exist as programs and computer viruses or would they take a human form? WHY WASN'T ANY OF THIS EXPLAINED?!? Ugh I just can't stand that. Luis couldn't even explain it to me after the movie was over. He eventually had to admit that it wasn't a movie to understand but one to appreciate the graphics and special effects. Fine. Whatever.
I need something more than just flashing lights and a good beat though. On the drive home I started grasping for anything I could get my head around to make this movie have some kind of impact or meaning in my life. I finally decided on the parallels it could have drawn between God and man. God created man in his own image and gave him the world to crate a utopia; just as Flynn created CLU in his image and asked him to create the perfect world. Human nature sets in and corrupts CLU though, just as it corrupted man, and he becomes self-righteous and evil, committing genocide on an entire "population" of iso-....iso-...I don't remember. Iso-somethings. He kills them all because he considered them imperfect and unworthy. And that's about as far as I got. I almost tried to relate Sam to Jesus, as the son of God (Flynn) who comes to Earth (Tron) to save the world....but that got a little complicated so I had to stop.
I guess some movies aren't meant to have a deeper meaning. Some movies really are created just to show off flashes of light and loud noises and cool costumes and fast motorcycle-thingys and other special effects and video games. And they are "TOTALLY AWESOME"!
Must be a guy thing.
December 20, 2010
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
the stockings are hung
o Christmas tree
Christmas dog
Christmas dog is tired of his antlers
handmade present - mug rug
other side
winter wonderland
snow-bowl
keystone
handmade present - doggie ornament
rudolphs
November 24, 2010
Thankful
A Few Things I am Thankful for:
- Loving and supportive parents
- An amazing and inspiring brother
- A wonderful boyfriend
- The best of friends, through thick and thin
- My precious Didgerdoo who is the best dog ever
- Puppies in general
- Freedom
- Mexican food
- The Dallas Cowboys
- Classic rock
- Rainbows
- The Rocky Mountains
- and much more....
November 17, 2010
Weekend Warriors
McDade Fight Team:
Danielle the Destroyer, Sarah the Slayer, Lou the Luchador , Brian the Battler
Luchador: "What did you just say to me?"
Slayer: "I will cuuuuuuuut you."
November 9, 2010
Fabric Fun!
I've officially caught the Christmas bug. Me and my mom went shopping this weekend and I got lots of awesome holiday fabric. I then spent much of my Saturday sewing up some Christmas-y goodness! Here is a little sneak peak:
This last one is a picture of a little potholder I made for part of my momma's birthday gift. I LOVE these fabrics! They are from the Paradise collection by Patricia Bravo in the Sunset palette. I think I am going to have to get the Sunrise palette also. I also recently bought a ton of Anna Maria Horner's Innocent Crush. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
This last one is a picture of a little potholder I made for part of my momma's birthday gift. I LOVE these fabrics! They are from the Paradise collection by Patricia Bravo in the Sunset palette. I think I am going to have to get the Sunrise palette also. I also recently bought a ton of Anna Maria Horner's Innocent Crush. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
November 5, 2010
More people like Gray
The following are excerpts from an email conversation I was privy to earlier this morning:
All;
This morning on the way to work, out in the country, Gray happened upon a car that had left the road, and was upside down in a swampy area a few miles from his (Gray's) house; the water was deep enough that all he could see were the back tires of the car sticking out of the water. A few other cars had stopped, but the emergency vehicles had not yet arrived. the man who had been driving the submerged car was on the road, frantic, and bloody from trying to beat open the windshield of the car to rescue his 2-3 year old daughter who was strapped in her car seat; now upside down and under water. It was 40 degrees this morning here in Dallas at 6:00 and at least that cold there in Raleigh. After dunking into the brackish and black water, trying, and determining that all of the car doors were jammed, Gray convinced a few of the spectator men to help to try to turn the car over, right side up. It took several tries, and they were able to do so just as the emergency vehicles arrived.
It is unclear yet if the toddler has survived or not. From what he knows, Gray estimates she was under water for most of 30 minutes. Gray remembered to throw his cell phone into the car before going into the water, but his wallet and insulin pump are waterlogged and not working, respectively. Gray went home to shower and change afterwords, and he is in the office now. I have asked him to call his doctor, not only about the insulin pump, but to also see about a general antibiotic from whatever might be living in that nasty water, and for any potential lagging body ache and aftershock.
Please keep all involved in your thoughts and prayers.
We are proud of you Gray!
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Wow. How scary and heroic….I wonder what happened to the girl….will he be able to find out?
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He said he would find out later today.
Gray's dad was a firefighter, and Gray was a volunteer one while in college.
He says he was mostly shocked and appalled by the number of people unwilling to do anything except stand there and watch, or just drive by.......
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Gray is awesome! And you wonder why we love him!!!
A true hero to that family for sure! Duke is a really great hospital and praying for them both to recover.
Hope you get your pump dried out/replaced!!
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You are the Man, Gray! Hope all are OK and words don’t even say enough.
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Gray,
You are my Hero!!
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Thanks, I'm clearly Hero for sure. To a point I felt so helpless. But I couldn't just pass by and not help...it could have easily been my family.
The little girl was under very long. The girl and dad were taken to Duke... Please pray for that family...
-Gray
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Gray is awesome! And you wonder why we love him!!!
A true hero to that family for sure! Duke is a really great hospital and praying for them both to recover.
Hope you get your pump dried out/replaced!!
______________________________________________________________________
Not Awesome enough…
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/8576281/
-Gray
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Gray
I am proud to know you. You did what you could to save the child; most folks would not have taken the initiative that you took to get her out of the water. You are a brave man. You are in my prayers for peace as is the family you tried to help. Rest easy my friend, I understand you’re hurt.
______________________________________________________________________
Excellent words, Carl. Thank you and I think you speak for all of us.
One of the things Gray told me was that the majority of bystanders either just kept on driving, or would only stand and watch. He had to cajole the few who finally did go into the water with him to try to turn the car over.
It takes a very strong person to be willing to try to help others at their own expense.
You did good gray, and we are all so sorry for the tragic ending....
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
....
I don't know about you, but I've had all day to reflect on this, and it has just made me sick to my stomach. A sweet little girl died because not enough people would help her frantic, bloody father to try to get her out of the upturned car. If the world had more people like Gray, there may have been a happier ending to this story. Please remember this the next time you see someone who needs help. You could save a life. We all owe it to each other as human beings.
October 22, 2010
Eating My Words (Go Rangers!)
For my loyal followers, you may remember this post from last year where I pretty much bashed the Texas Rangers organization and called them a bunch of "losers" and went on about how I couldn't enjoy baseball because our team sucks and how I would never experience the exciting feeling of watching my team play in the World Series.
Until now.
Yes, I am currently eating my own words. To an extent.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that I was wrong or that I take back all my ranting (it did take them 39 years to get here), but I will admit that they've had a great season and they really have been very exciting to watch. All day I've been catching myself thinking about the game tonight and noticing a growing butterfly feeling in my stomach at the thought that the RANGERS could be in the World Series!!!!! The buzz seems to be everywhere; everyone is talking about them around here. There are status posts galore on Facebook, along with a rather interesting rendition of the Lord's Prayer (Our Rangers, who art in Texas, winners be thy name....). I've also heard many "loyal" Ranger fans complain about the "fair-weather" fans who were once, like me, bashing the Rangers but are now kissing the ground they walk on. While I am excited about the Rangers season and their potential World Series berth, I currently do not consider myself a "loyal fan"; I haven't even gone out and bought a t-shirt. I am not running around rewriting prayers or proclaiming that "my team" is God's gift to baseball and whatnot. While I will cheer for the Rangers tonight and (hopefully) in the Series, don't expect this "fan" to be converted to Ranger-dom so easily as the rest of this fair-weather city. If these guys can continue to make the playoffs and win championships and prove that they are indeed a good ball club and not just a once-every-thirty-nine-year fluke, then yes, I will buy my red and blue t-shirt and become a die hard fan. Until that day though, I would keep your "holier-than-thou" attitudes about the Rangers to yourself....I would hate for you to have to eat your own words next year.
Oh! Also. What, exactly, do claws and antlers have to do with Rangers or baseball? I just don't get that one.....
Until now.
Yes, I am currently eating my own words. To an extent.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that I was wrong or that I take back all my ranting (it did take them 39 years to get here), but I will admit that they've had a great season and they really have been very exciting to watch. All day I've been catching myself thinking about the game tonight and noticing a growing butterfly feeling in my stomach at the thought that the RANGERS could be in the World Series!!!!! The buzz seems to be everywhere; everyone is talking about them around here. There are status posts galore on Facebook, along with a rather interesting rendition of the Lord's Prayer (Our Rangers, who art in Texas, winners be thy name....). I've also heard many "loyal" Ranger fans complain about the "fair-weather" fans who were once, like me, bashing the Rangers but are now kissing the ground they walk on. While I am excited about the Rangers season and their potential World Series berth, I currently do not consider myself a "loyal fan"; I haven't even gone out and bought a t-shirt. I am not running around rewriting prayers or proclaiming that "my team" is God's gift to baseball and whatnot. While I will cheer for the Rangers tonight and (hopefully) in the Series, don't expect this "fan" to be converted to Ranger-dom so easily as the rest of this fair-weather city. If these guys can continue to make the playoffs and win championships and prove that they are indeed a good ball club and not just a once-every-thirty-nine-year fluke, then yes, I will buy my red and blue t-shirt and become a die hard fan. Until that day though, I would keep your "holier-than-thou" attitudes about the Rangers to yourself....I would hate for you to have to eat your own words next year.
Oh! Also. What, exactly, do claws and antlers have to do with Rangers or baseball? I just don't get that one.....
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