Project 365

Shots from a Moving Vehicle - London to Oxford to the Cotswolds

2010-03-02T10:36:00.031-06:00

A very messy collage of photos taken on our drive from Hillingdon to Oxford to the Cotswolds and all things in between.

Me Bake Yum Yum Treats

2009-12-21T08:28:00.000-06:00

Many hours were spent in the kitchen this weekend, baking yummy treats for the holidays. Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peanut Butter Bites, Haystacks, Pebernodder, and Iced Sugar Cookies made the cut this year and though I failed to snap photos of everything, here are a few for your viewing pleasure:

Catching Up, Starting......NOW!

2009-12-19T21:59:00.000-06:00

Oh, Photo Blog! How I love you and yet neglect you so! Funny thing is, I take pictures ALL the time, photos that would look so pretty on your pages.

So, let's catch up, starting with the night we got all kinds of crazy up in our house by passing my reading glasses around:

Life and Times of Bear (and his sidekick)

2009-11-17T09:36:00.008-06:00

Bear: Yes, I'm muddy. No, I shouldn't be on the couch. If I lay here and look sweet, will you love me anyway?

Bear's mouth is very ticklish, so when you touch his lips, he shows his teeth. He's part Doberman, so the effect is creepy! (He's harmless as a fly!)

Sid: Dog+Tickling+Teeth=Hilarity! Let's do it again! (We call Dixie "Junkyard" because she looks like the pup you'd see ferociously guarding her stash at the dump.)

Reason #123 I love Bear. Look at that face!

Happy Halloween from Purrty Ken Ken Kitty & Sheriff Ryan

2009-11-02T11:32:00.017-06:00

Because Sid Thought it was HILARIOUS

2009-10-22T22:16:00.001-05:00

Dixie is a genius. And Bear is creepy.

Pups, Soup, & Cocoa

2009-10-18T23:42:00.000-05:00

Homemade hot cocoa, taco soup and muddy pups - oh my!

Random

2009-10-15T11:36:00.007-05:00

1. My office. Sad, empty, windowless. We've got dibs on an awesome office with a giant picture window, so fingers crossed.
2. Taken a while back, it's a reminder: the sun will come out, maybe tomorrow?
3. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun.
4. Dixie. I love her to pieces but she is gross. Really, really gross. This is her after she gobbled her dinner in less than 120 seconds. She's saying, "Where's dessert?"

Austin Texas

2009-10-13T10:18:00.013-05:00

Sky Shots

2009-10-02T11:10:00.008-05:00

We'd never know how high we are till we are called to rise; and then if we are true to plan, our statures touch the sky.

-Emily Dickinson

Texas State Fair

2009-09-28T10:06:00.024-05:00

Our day at the fair:

Bear Bear, Sunsets and ...Comets?

2009-09-23T19:21:00.010-05:00

Sometimes beauty is hidden and others you find it splashed across the sky like a billboard for the Almighty. Even Bear Bear seemed entranced by our stunning sunset. Or maybe it was the doomsday cloud!

Welcome, Fall. Come on in and Stay Awhile.

2009-09-22T10:30:00.001-05:00

Just before the death of flowers,
And before they are buried in snow,
There comes a festival season
When nature is all aglow.

- Author Unknown

And She's Back!

2009-09-21T21:28:00.006-05:00

I'm back, I'm back! Boy has it been a long time - a whole half of a year, to be almost sorta kinda but not really exact.

Whoa! Slow down, Sally. Before we start this up again I think you should sit down, because we need to talk. Maybe you were happy before, and maybe I was happy too, most of the time, but I'd be lying if I said it was all wildflowers and sunshine. Some days, I felt trapped, smothered, like I woke up one morning with a ball and chain dangling from my leg and surely you noticed! I think it's best if this time around, we keep things loose and casual. I'll try to post a photo everyday but if I don't, you'll be okay with that and so will I. No pressure. No commitment. Just two peopl..er, one person and a blog, hanging out, having a good time. We'll keep the website address the same for logistical purposes, but it won't really be a "365 day project." If you're cool, I'm cool. Now that we've had this little talk, I think it's okay if we tell our friends.

Friends, we're back!

Burned Out

2009-03-16T15:40:00.001-05:00

You guys - I'm BURNED OUT with this photo blog! Terrible, I know. I am still taking photos, for the most part, and one of these days I'll catch up!

Dinner Date

2009-03-06T09:50:00.001-06:00

Stacey, Scott, Cole and Abbey invited us to an early dinner tonight at Legacy Center. Abbey decided to pull the clip out of hair, leaving her with a stylish mohawk. She was quite proud of it! She cracked me up as she raced up and down the sidewalk, pausing only to look women up and down as they passed, the Manhattan Once-over, as Becky Bloomwood would say. Wonder who she gets that from? Hmmmmm.

Peek a Boo!

2009-03-05T09:47:00.000-06:00

Bear Bear loves to peek around doors.

Mmmm, dessert!

2009-03-04T09:44:00.000-06:00

Sugar free cheesecake flavored pudding with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips. Looks disgusting, tastes delicious!

Laundry Day

2009-03-03T09:41:00.000-06:00

You wouldn't believe how many loads of laundry I did today.

Aggie Down

2009-03-02T09:33:00.000-06:00

Our friend Brad lost his 3 year battle with cancer today. This is a photo frame given to me by Bo and Shirley when I graduated highschool, full of some of my favorite early Aggie memories. I remember sitting on those bleachers with Allison H, Brian, Jenny and Brad and thinking I was beyond cool. I also love the photo of Allison G, Tanya, Joanna and me in front of Bonfire 1997.

Chocolate Migraine

2009-03-01T19:33:00.002-06:00

When will I ever learn? Chocolate - in mass quantity - gives me migraines. I haven't quite figured out the formula, but I'm thinking it's dark chocolate that really pushes my buttons.

After dinner last night, we set out to find some dessert because we were all starving after our tiny serving of pizza at California Pizza Kitchen. Colin spotted a candy store and we merrily filled up our bags with all sorts of treats. $15 later (yes, $15 for candy and two drinks) we set off for The Wrestler.

When my gummy bears didn't hit the spot, I started munching on Sid's dark chocolate covered almonds. 12 hours later, I awoke with - you guessed it - a migraine. The kind that paralyzes you in bed, makes you want to barf, and even Advil can't cure.
Stupid chocolate.

The Wrestler

2009-02-28T19:29:00.000-06:00

We met Colin and Amanda tonight for some grub and a movie, The Wrestler.

I hope you don't ask me what I thought of the movie. I'm not sure how I would respond.

Prisoner of Azkaban

2009-02-27T19:25:00.000-06:00

I'm reading the Harry Potter books - watching the movie each time I finish an installment. Tonight was Prisoner of Azkaban, book 3. I won't bore you with my review, but the movie is by far my least favorite movie, and by far my favorite book of the series.

Goblet of Fire

2009-02-26T19:51:00.000-06:00

Goblet of Fire, the book that I didn't finish years ago.

I restarted it and am loving it so far!

Who Loves You Napster? I do!

2009-02-25T19:46:00.000-06:00

I love Napster days - just chilling, listening to tunes - new and old.

Pretty Little Toesies

2009-02-24T20:43:00.005-06:00

Someone got a pedicure today! Me! Holli was so excited to do my toes. I resisted at first. A friend washing and rubbing my feet? No thanks! But I'm so glad I gave in! She gave my big toes some bling, too, in true Holli fashion!

Turbie Towels!

2009-02-23T20:49:00.000-06:00

I cheated. I actually took this photo on Tuesday but let's pretend I took it on Monday. Deal?

Sid and I ran in Bed Bath & Beyond so I could look at curtains. Naturally, I fell in love with the most expensive curtains in the place so we didn't buy them. Not wanting to leave the store empty handed, I grabbed a two pack of those super absorbent hair towels.

Check out how big our heads look! Awesomeness! Sid is making that weird fat face where you suck your chin into your neck - think he probably did it on purpose.

Sassy

2009-02-21T23:55:00.000-06:00

This is Sassy. Sassy is Stacey's crazy little dog. At random, she'll turn on her back, stick her short tiny legs in the air and become as still as a statue. It's hilarious! Naturally, every time she did this tonight, I scrambled for my cell phone camera and she'd quit. This crappy photo is as good as I could do!

Snuggie!

2009-02-20T13:33:00.000-06:00

I forgot to bring my camera on our triple date night with Amanda, Colin, Evan and Gary tonight, so I'll use a photo from our LAST get together. Well, technically Evan and Gary weren't with us on the last game night, but they were GOING to be so that counts.

Amanda brought out her brand new Snuggie and as we lustfully ripped it open, the free book light tumbled the floor. So funny! The Snuggie was enough to knock me over with excitement, but a free booklight too!? Someone slap me because I must be dreaming!

P.S. Sid and I are SHARING the Snuggie. It's HUGE.

Mmmmm, smoothies!

2009-02-19T13:30:00.000-06:00

We made strawberry banana smoothies for breakfast - yum!

Cozy TV Night

2009-02-18T23:27:00.000-06:00

Know what tonight was? LOST night!

Sid tucked me into my favorite chair with my favorite quilt and we spent an hour with our favorite fictional characters!

Chilly Morning Walk

2009-02-17T13:18:00.000-06:00

Sid and I suited up early this morning for a walk and it was C-H-I-L-L-Y!

My New Chair!

2009-02-16T21:51:00.000-06:00

"Let's breeze through the furniture section," Holli said innocently.....

It's Buddy!

2009-02-15T09:48:00.000-06:00

The blog could use some Bear....

Valentines Day Skies

2009-02-14T09:42:00.000-06:00

We had the most unusual skies today! We felt like we were under water looking up at the waves. So bizarre but so beautiful (and even more bizarre? It sleeted today at random!)

We grilled some steaks and shrimp and cuddled up in the living room to watch the last two episodes of LOST. It was a cozy Valentines Day!

Trail Dust

2009-02-13T09:36:00.002-06:00

I cheated. This is obviously a photograph of a photograph because I didn't take my camera along for the evening.

We met Holli and James at the Trail Dust Steakhouse in Aubrey for dinner and we had a ball! We were seated right by the dance floor with a fantastic view of the band. Sure, we had to literally scream at the top of our lungs to hear one another speak when the band was playing (which luckily wasn't the entire night), but the food was scrumptious!

Picture Time!

2009-02-12T09:21:00.000-06:00

Siddy and Me

Tornado Alley

2009-02-11T23:08:00.000-06:00

Tonight, we were prepared for the worst. I had my tornado outfit set out by the bed - jeans, Nikes, sweatshirt - something to throw on if the worst case scenario exploded on our doorstep. We had the curtains, our eyes, and our ears open. According to the news reports, you'd think a Category 5 hurricane was headed our way. In actuality, we had 15 minutes of rain and wind gusts. Living where we do, we get strong gusts everyday! In all fairness to the media, there was a tornado about 80 miles north of us that devastated a little town and killed several people. We're actually considering a little tornado shelter. We've had too many scares and you can never be too careful. I think it was last year that a deadly tornado swept through a rural area about 10 miles east of us, killing 3 people as they slept.

Dancing in the Moonlight

2009-02-10T09:00:00.000-06:00

I joined Sid outside tonight to peer at the beautiful moon. We saw something move across the street and turned just in time to see an animal with no tail bounce into the culvert. We both swear it was a bobcat. We've seen a bobcat once or twice around our town, but that close to the house is a tiny bit distressing.

My Nose Is Growing...

2009-02-09T08:49:00.000-06:00

....I think. Or maybe it's not. When I see my nose on my face in a photo, I swear its grown. But when I chop my nose out of a photo, it looks like a lovely, normal nose. Sid calls it body dysmorphia. That is WAY too big of a word for me.

Silly Photo Sunday

2009-02-08T18:22:00.001-06:00

I decided to take a silly photo for my Facebook. After selecting this photo, I posted it with pride. Immediately, Mom decided to tell me how awful it was and began her daily assault on my masterpiece. I happen to find the picture amusing because I look possessed by a silliness demon. I guess demons aren't funny, no matter how silly they are.

Saturday Tales

2009-02-07T18:16:00.000-06:00

What a day! Stacey and Holli picked me up bright and early and we headed to Harry Hines for some bargain shopping. And when I say bargain, I ain't joking. I got a bag full of jewelry for $80, two handbags, a makeup bag and a cell phone holder for $50, and an adorable designer-ish hat for $20. We all headed to our respective homes to freshen up and recongregated at Stacey's for some grub. This was the only photo I took but it is precious! It's Cole, Carly, Abbey and Haddie! Too much cuteness for one room, don't ya think?

She's got Wings...She Knows How to Use Them

2009-02-06T18:11:00.001-06:00

Guess what? I had never ever tried wings before tonight. That's a lie. I tried ONE wing just a few days ago at Stacey's but it didn't count because it had been sitting out and was cold.

We joined Amanda and Colin at Buffalo Wild Wings and boy have I been missing out! Delicious! We stuffed our faces between laughs and then headed to their house for a HILARIOUS game night! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. In fact, that reminds me that I have precious video of their dog, Zoe, that I need to post on the other blog! Zoe needs her own tv show, seriously.

Another Cheat

2009-02-05T18:07:00.000-06:00

Guys, I am so terrible at this photo blog stuff! Here is another favorite photo from our Houston trip this past weekend.

Ken Ken and Sid took a chill pill, apparently!

Curly Headed Leigh

2009-02-04T21:10:00.001-06:00

Hooray for sunny days, coffee and HAIR APPOINTMENTS!

Holli decided I need curls today and since I never, ever wear my hair curly I was super stoked to try it! I think it was Holli's way of politely saying, "Leigh! Change the hair up, girl!" (I always wear it straight. Always.)

I promised her I'd buy a curling iron and believe me, she followed up on that promise!

I snapped several photos and they all turned out dorky. This was the best I could do.

Ry Ry

2009-02-03T20:52:00.001-06:00

So, I didn't actually take this picture today, but I'm missing my Ry Ry and I LOVE this photo of him! He looks so much like Randy! I also had a flash of my Granny when she was a teenager - I don't remember if it was a mannerism or an expression, but I quickly said to Mom, "I just saw Granny in him!"

On the Road Again

2009-02-02T20:47:00.000-06:00

We had to say goodbye to Ken Ken, Ryan & Cindy today. What a perfect trip!

Couldn't decide between the two photos so I'll just post both.

Dancing Queen

2009-02-01T16:48:00.000-06:00

Today was the big day - the day of the dance recital! Makenzie was brilliant, a super star! She was sick as a dog but showed no signs of being rattled. You can read all about her big day here!

Saturday in the Park

2009-01-31T16:24:00.000-06:00

...I think it was the 4th of July.

Sorry, had that Chicago song in my head.

We spent the whole day outside in Ken Ken and Ryan's backyard, swinging, dancing, and giggling! It was a great day!

Introducing...

2009-01-30T20:20:00.000-06:00

...Frankie, my childhood muse. Actually, I don't know which came first - the dog or the witch story but either way, I liked the name Frankie. I have no idea why.

Don't have a clue what I'm talking about? Click here and read #7.

I'm Messy

2009-01-29T23:01:00.000-06:00

It was freezing this morning and all I really wanted to do was stay in bed. I made coffee, filled up my gigantic mug (this is not my normal coffee mug - it's more of a latte mug) and made my way back upstairs. I figured with the ridiculously large mug, I wouldn't have to back for seconds and I could get all cozy in bed. Problem is, I spilled coffee with each step I took. Oh well - it was yummy!

I Didn't Get Any Good Ice Storm Shots...

2009-01-28T21:20:00.002-06:00

Ice Storm? What?!

2009-01-27T21:15:00.000-06:00

I had no idea an ice storm was coming. None! I love me some severe weather, don't get me wrong, but an ice storm is pretty serious stuff. Especially when you're home alone! The lights flickered several times but all in all, it was no big deal and I stayed warm and cozy.

These are icicles on my back porch.

Monday Oops

2009-01-26T21:12:00.000-06:00

No pictures today!

I Got Behind Again

2009-01-25T20:32:00.000-06:00

Man, having this photo blog is so much fun and so difficult all at the same time! I got behind again, but I'm slowly catching up!

My bodyguard

2009-01-24T20:56:00.001-06:00

She's big. She's mean. She wears camo hoodies...

It's Dixie!

A Mouse House

2009-01-23T20:25:00.002-06:00

The exterminator came today and left some nice cozy houses for any mouse who decides to step foot in my home. They'll even be a meal waiting for them. A meal of POISON! Muahahahaha!

Bear Bear The Mouse Hunter

2009-01-22T20:18:00.000-06:00

Click here to read the story about my loyal friend, Bear Bear.

Man and Dog

2009-01-21T20:11:00.000-06:00

This truck pulled out in front of me on the highway and ticked me off. At the redlight, I noticed the man had a dog with him and it was obvious they were pals. I decided I wasn't ticked anymore. Any friend of a dog is a friend of mine! (sorry for the dirty windshield!)

It's the Right Time of the Night...

2009-01-20T20:09:00.000-06:00

...for surfing the web!

What's That Inside My Boot?

2009-01-19T09:52:00.000-06:00

It's a camera! On our last trip to Vegas, we came home cameraless. We had no idea what happened to the it. Was it stolen? Did we lose it? Did we leave it the rental car? Did it fall out of my purse? Almost a year and a new camera purchase later, Sid was picking up shoes piled on the floor of our coat closet (trying to eliminate any mouse houses!) and thought my boot felt awfully heavy. He reached inside and hollered, "You won't believe what's in here!" I put my hands over my eyes, sure it was a dead mouse, and he holds up our old camera! What the heck? First of all, I had completely forgotten about those adorable brown leather barely worn boots. Second of all, what was the camera doing in there?

Are you ready for some football?

2009-01-18T15:38:00.000-06:00

Well, actually, no I'm not. I don't care a thing about football, or any other professional sport to be honest. But, I do like to eat and I do like being with friends, so Sid and I headed to Scott & Stacey's today to watch the games. I didn't spend more than 5 minutes looking at the TV, but I did a lot of eating and a lot of talking, so it was a good day!

I forgot to bring my camera inside, so this is my parting shot as we headed home.

Who Can't Wait to Visit Alaska This Summer?

2009-01-17T15:26:00.001-06:00

I can't! In fact, I can't even believe I'm actually going. It's Alaska, for Pete's sake! Alaska!

I'm in a bit of shock. Glaciers, bears, whales, mountains, interesting locals, sled dogs (I'm still undecided on whether I think this is cruel or not. Research time!) Plus, we got an aft balcony! Can you believe it? Our cabin is on the very back of the ship, so we'll have panoramic views as we sail along the sea. AHHHH! June hurry up and get here!

Hawk Time

2009-01-16T10:21:00.000-06:00

Sid and I spend some time with the hawks before heading to the movies this afternoon.

Someone in this house turned 30..

2009-01-15T10:17:00.000-06:00

....and it wasn't me!

Happy Birthday, Sid!

Ruler of Our Household

2009-01-14T10:10:00.000-06:00

Dixie makes herself comfortable in Sid's chair.

Meeting of the Dogs

2009-01-13T16:42:00.000-06:00

We have a black lab that wanders our neighborhood every morning and every afternoon. It's obvious he is someone's pride and joy because he's gorgeous, well-groomed, and has a bright orange collar but we're all a bit puzzled that someone would just let their dog run free. This morning, the dogs gathered at the fence to greet the lab. Dixie was in her own little world somewhere so she's not in the photo.

Our New Friends

2009-01-12T16:38:00.000-06:00

Tanny and Blacky, our new canine friends! It's a long story, so read my latest blog to hear all about them!

Introducing...

2009-01-11T10:54:00.000-06:00

Baby Maya! Isn't she the sweetest little thing?

Mmm, mmmm, MMMMMM! Jaspers!

2009-01-10T20:42:00.001-06:00

Mmmm...appetizing, right? NOT!

Sid and I went to one of our favorite restaurants to celebrate his new job - Jaspers in Legacy Center. Jasper's is known for many, many things but most notably for their ribs, as Bon Appetit named them the best in America along with two other restaurants.

Guess what I had? Ribs!

For lunch today, we had the leftovers. They may look distgusting but they were yuuuuuummmy!

My Baby

2009-01-09T18:48:00.000-06:00

I moved Dixie and Bear's bed under the overhang of our desk. Something about being undercover makes her feel pretty smug.

You give me fever.

2009-01-08T18:44:00.000-06:00

Sid's getting over his bug.

Taxes? Already!?

2009-01-07T10:37:00.000-06:00

Ugh. It's only January 7th and I'm already having to think about taxes for the business. I guess I'll be glad we're getting an early start when it's all said and done.

911

2009-01-06T22:54:00.000-06:00

Click here for the explanation. And no, this wasn't the actual call to 911!

Do you know what happens to water when it freezes?

2009-01-05T20:51:00.004-06:00

Temperatures fell below freezing last night and it rained. Because I am a genius, I know that makes ice. What I didn't know is that my Jeep's soft top would freeze and pull away from the doors and allow rain and ice to pour inside. When I opened the door today to make a run to the bank and the post office (after I spent 10 minutes putting on clothes and a coat and a scarf and a hat and gloves and shoes), I discovered a very wet and very frozen front seat, icicles on the door panels and water on the floor. Needless to say, I did not drive the Jeep today.

The Secret Life of the American Teenager

2009-01-04T20:29:00.005-06:00

What? Everyone's watching it!

I stumbled upon a Season 1 marathon by accident this afternoon and physically could not change the channel. I'm hooked!

It's got Molly Ringwald (duh - Breakfast Club!), Mark Derwin (from One Life to Live, Life With Bonnie), Josie Bissett (Jane from Melrose Place), Steve Schirripa (Bobby from Sopranos) John Schneider (from Dukes of Hazzard), my Mom, your Mom....literally everyone is in this show and everyone is watching this show and you know what they say about doing things everyone is doing? You should totally do them too. It's the American way.

The best part of waking up...

2009-01-03T21:02:00.000-06:00

...is Starbucks coffee from our new coffee maker in my cup!

I love our coffee nook and I love our new magic-morning-beverage machine. We wanted a new one that brewed hot coffee - not the lukewarm garbage you have to microwave after adding cream. The coffee is not as hot as I would like, but since the machine makes a fantastic cup of coffee, it's a keeper!

Gran Torino

2009-01-02T21:12:00.003-06:00

From the first time we saw the trailer for Gran Torino, Sid and I agreed that it looked like an amazing film we would both love to see. We were not in such agreement about WHEN to see the film, however. As I mentioned in a previous post or two, I have been feeling the blues. What kind of blues, you ask? You name it - post vacation, post holiday, post stuffing-my-face-for-two-weeks, post off-my-exercise-routine, and finally, the my-neighbor-got-drums-for-Christmas-that-he-bangs-on-all-day blues. I was pretty sure that a movie about a grumpy old veteran who's wife dies and leaves him alone in a big house in a rough neighborhood where he is not welcome would not do much for my down-in-the-dumps spell. Oh, and I have a theory about movies with dogs in them - they're depressing. Think Old Yeller, I am Legend, Air Bud (don't tell me you didn't cry when the boy hollers at that poor dog to go home), Homeward Bound just to name a few examples.

I agreed to see the movie anyway and it was so incredibly worth it. We got to the Angelika an hour early so I suggested we go to a bookstore nearby to kill some time because, "surely the 5 o'clock showing won't be crowded." Ha! I have never seen the Angelika so full, folks in line were buzzing with excitement, and as people from the showing before us exited the theater, they were commenting to us about how good the film was (one woman looked at me and said, "SO GOOD!" and an old man I had been chatting with in line got all bothered and said to me, "Did she just say the movie was NO good?? He was ready to throw down!)

In summary, it's Clint Eastwood, people! Supposedly it's his last acting role, which makes you kind of sad, doesn't it? Go see it.

It's a New Year

2009-01-01T20:58:00.002-06:00

It's a New Year! Let's celebrate by stuffing our faces!

Our feast unraveled sort of like that episode of Friends where everyone tells Monica what they have to have on Thanksgiving. Cabbage and black eyed peas are a must on New Years Day - for luck and fortune in 2009. Sid had to have homemade mac and cheese. I insisted on mashed potatoes. We ended up with a meal big enough to feed ten people and with matching belly aches afterward.

Mmmmm Sushi

2008-12-31T21:15:00.001-06:00

I have been craving sushi for weeks, so Sid and I met at RA for lunch. Boy oh boy - it hit the spot!

Roses are Red

2008-12-30T14:07:00.000-06:00

My down in the dump spell lasted another day. Sid brought me roses to cheer me up, and you know what? It worked!

Oopsy Daisy #2

2008-12-29T13:58:00.001-06:00

Hi there. It's me again. Um, I sorta kinda forgot to take a photo today...again.

It's Monday and I'm feeling the blues. To capture my emotions, here's Ken Ken!

Oopsy Daisy!

2008-12-28T13:45:00.000-06:00

This girl is BEAT! Do you forgive me for forgetting to take a photo today? Please? Pretty pretty please?

Here is a photo from the past week to make up for it. Truce?

Without an explanation, it's a pretty hilarious photo, don't you think? It looks like Sid couldn't find a potty so he chose a random spot at Grand Central Terminal.

Oh contraire! If you watch "Secrets of New York" on the Documentary Channel, you know of the "whispering gallery," an arched entryway in Grand Central where a person can stand in one corner and a friend in another corner roughly 50 feet away in a very loud and hectic train terminal and whisper to one another. Super cool! We weren't the only dorks trying it out, just so you know.

I'm Almost Caught Up

2008-12-28T10:54:00.000-06:00

Sorry for going so long without posting! We were gone on vacation, came home for one night, left the very next day and didn't get home for 6 more days! Be sure and play catch up with all my photos - think I posted 8 or 9 days recently and you wouldn't want to miss one of them, now would you?

More Christmas Festivities!

2008-12-27T22:42:00.002-06:00

Today Randy, Cindy, Ryan, Kenzie and Granny joined us at Mom and Paul's house for more holiday celebration. We had quite a day - hiking, playing the Wii, lots of hide and seek, hamburgers and marshmallow roasting.

Don't Mess With Me...

2008-12-26T22:27:00.000-06:00

...or I'll put a cap in you.

Here I am playing with Sid's Christmas present.

Christmas Day

2008-12-25T20:52:00.002-06:00

Kenzie and a few of her gifts from Santa:

Kenz beats everyone on the Wii:

Me and my girl:

The party favors Kenz made for everyone ("I worked really hard on them," she said):

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T16:57:00.005-06:00

Christmas Eve, we headed to Randy and Cindy's house for Christmas Round 2! Cindy's parents and her sister's family were there too, so we had a fun and festive celebration! Unfortunately, I forgot to ask Julie for permission to post photos of her kiddos, so I was careful to pick photos (yes photos, plural. I couldn't pick just one) that only had Ryan and Kenzie in them. Just take my word for it - Lane and Haley are PRECIOUS! It was such a joy to see all the kiddos together, to watch them write their letters to Santa, and to witness their escalating excitement as it got closer to bedtime.

Over the Lake and Through the Woods...

2008-12-23T16:43:00.000-06:00

...to Sid and Linda's we go!

We headed to Sid's folks to celebrate Christmas with them! We had a wonderful visit and stuffed our faces with tamales and homemade chili. Yum!

I snapped this photo as we crossed the Lake Livingston bridge. The fog and the wind made me feel like I was on the coast!

And Now It's Time to Say Goodbye...

2008-12-22T21:16:00.000-06:00

Finally on the plane. Of course, with all the cancellations from the recent bad weather, it could have been much worse than our two hour delay.

What a trip!

Sunday & Stef

2008-12-21T21:08:00.000-06:00

Sid and I headed to Chelsea for lunch with my BFF from highschool, Stef. It was a trip highlight, for sure, and we played catch up and laughed a bunch and made fun of people from back in the day (including ourselves, of course). We all have those friends we can go years without seeing but the moment you're back together it's like time never passed, and Stef is one of those friends. Of course, we keep in touch through emails, but I haven't seen her in the flesh in years. Naturally, the photo is horrible of me and adorable of her, but I don't care!

No. Sleep. Till Brooklyn!

2008-12-20T20:56:00.001-06:00

Another great day! We started with a stroll through the Flatiron District, breakfast in Union Square, the Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour (including stops at Grimaldi's and Spumoni Gardens), a 30 block walk back to our hotel taking in the sights, the NY Pops at Carnegie Hall (wow) and drinks at Stone Rose in Columbus Circle to finish the night. Here are a couple of my favorite pics from the day:

Brooklyn Bridge:

Coney Island:

Carnegie Hall:

Snowy Day in Manhattan

2008-12-19T20:35:00.001-06:00

Today was an unbelievable day! We started with breakfast at Dean & Deluca, with a great table and view of the Today Show. The snow began tumbling down as gigantic snowflakes while we gobbled our quiche, and on our walk to the Museum of Modern Art we actually had a difficult time seeing through the precipitation! We loved it, of course, since our Dallas winter has been very mild thus far. If you've never been to MOMA, they have an amazing sculpture garden and beautiful views from huge windows on the higher floors. I took the first photo as the snow continued to fall (as it did throughout the day) and by the end of the night, Central Park was breathtaking with it's new white blanket.

Live From New York...

2008-12-18T21:46:00.000-06:00

...it's the Saturday Night Live hallway!

Amanda's friend from highschool, Jonathan, was the coolest host on Thursday morning. He works in the Rockefeller building and allowed us access to his floor and our very own page! We wished for Kenneth from 30 Rock but we got an adorable Chicago boy instead who was an absolute doll. He took us to the Conan O'Brien studio (where I got to sit at Conan's desk!), NBC Nightly News, Sunday Night Football and Saturday Night Live! I had always heard that the offical studio tours don't allow access to SNL, especially if the show is live that week. We actually got to walk on the floor where some of the greatest comedians of all time have poured their hearts and souls out to make people laugh over the last 35 years. It was a surreal moment standing there, feet from the stage.

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane...

2008-12-17T21:37:00.000-06:00

The day finally arrived! We set our alarms for 3:30 AM, showered, dressed, collapsed like zombies in the Jeep at 4:30, headed to Amanda's, piled into another car, loaded the plane, stepped off the plane 3 hours later, took the train to NY Penn Station, walked up the subway stairs and...drum roll please...we were in New York City! Here is a shot of 5th Avenue near 58th Street.

Icy Day

2008-12-16T21:33:00.000-06:00

As I left my very slick and very icy driveway, I laughed at the weatherman's prediction that the day would warm up to above freezing. It didn't warm up...not even a tiny bit. At 1 o'clock it was 24 degrees. Hooray for canceled school! My neighbors were happy.

Just Posted Four Picture Days in a Row - Sorry!

2008-12-16T10:35:00.001-06:00

Ice Storm? What?!

2008-12-15T10:18:00.002-06:00

Once again, I headed to Addison to help Sid complete the construction project he's been working on. I got there around 5:30 and we worked until 8 in freezing weather - literally. It was around 29 degrees with a windchill of 15. Not exactly the kind of weather you want to be 12 feet in the air lifting metal, bless Sid's chilly heart, but we finished up and were happy to head to Pei Wei for a yummy dinner before heading back home.

We finished up our dinner around 8:30 or so (we ate fast!), walked out of the restaurant, and stood in awe for about 1 minute. The ground was completely covered in ice pellets. Snow, I can handle. Ice? YUCK! We carefully made our way back to our separate vehicles and slowly exited the parking lot. Addison roads were almost completely sheeted in ice, and Sid and I had some fun sliding around, but surely the Tollway would be sanded and clear, right?

WRONG! In fact, all of our stupid radio weather people were scoffing at the winter advisory all day, claiming how unlikely the changes for significant precipitation were. (I actually heard one weather lady say with laughter in her voice, "Just don't drive 80 mph over the Lake Lewisville bridge.") The Tollway was covered in ice pellets and traffic was crawling. At Sid's command, I threw my Jeep into fourwheel drive and made the journey northward for home. We saw several accidents, none serious.

Highway 380 and 289, which lead to home, were empty and covered in ice pellets and what looked like snow. Sid and did some more slipping and sliding, on purpose, and finally made it to Celina. What a night! Thank you God for inspiring the concepts of fourwheel drive and traction control in the inventor's minds. What a lifesaver!

Me...Operating a Forklift?...Seriously?

2008-12-14T10:12:00.000-06:00

So all this time, I thought operating a forklift was difficult work. Not so much! But, hats off to the guys/girls who do that for a living because you DO have to pay attention and handle the controls gently so you don't kill someone! Hats AND shoes off to the guys/girls who are at the mercy of the operator and have be lifted a zillion feet in the air! YIKES!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Work We Go!

2008-12-13T10:02:00.000-06:00

Sid bid a job for his employer recently, enclosing two gigantic rv/car ports and adding garage doors. He got the job, and this weekend I headed down to Addison with him because he needed someone to help him lift the giant metal pieces and to operate the forklift. Oh, what fun we had! Well, not so much FUN, but we did survive the day and treated ourselves to burgers at Fuddruckers before heading home.

Here is Sid on the ladder - about 12 feet in the air and still smiling. If that had been me on the ladder the camera would have captured me vomitting from terror.