One Off

Same Story

2012-02-08T07:35:00.002-06:00

I just realized that every year I say the same thing...that I am going to get fit (and there are posts to prove it). Man I hope this will be the year!

Get Fit

2012-02-08T07:21:00.002-06:00

I am going to try to take up this blog again, for the umpteenth time. Lately I have felt as though I need to get myself, my whole person back on track. I seem to have fallen completely off whatever wagon I was riding and I have trouble recognizing the person I am today.

While there have been major life changes, like my little angel Elizabeth, with all that is going on with her, work, home and trying to balance it all, I have forgotten to take care of myself.

This year I am setting a goal to get back on track and find my self worth. I am going to try to document my journey as I try to find a new better version of myself. I want to have that healthy change of mind, body and soul. I want to feel good about myself and feel good about what I see in the mirror.

So, let it begin...wish me luck!

Lookin' like a fool with your pants on the ground!

2010-01-15T08:28:00.002-06:00

The other night Andrew and I were watching American Idol. They were in "Hotlanta" looking for contestants. At the end of the show this old man came in and started to sing a song that he wrote. It went a little something like this:

"Pants on the Ground
Pants on the Ground
Lookin' like a fool
with your pants on the ground"

It was super catchy and even Simon thought that it could be a hit. It was hilarious! If you would like to see the clip, you can check it out here.

We're off to the Rodeo!

2010-01-05T11:00:00.002-06:00

Rodeo Season is fast approaching and we are having another recruiting social for our new Ticket Services Committee. We are always looking for volunteers and if you are interested, please come to Reliant Center, Room 403, Tonight, January 5th at 6pm! Hope to see you there. If you need info, send me an e-mail at: jennifer.ticketservices@gmail.com

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T06:00:00.002-06:00

Goodbye 2009!!! Hello 2010!!!

What a year 2009 was, sheesh. All sorts of things happened. Micheal Jackson died, Tiger Woods an adulterer, Brittany Murphy died, Kanye slagged Taylor, Balloon Boy, Susan Boyle, Obama, collapse of the mainstream media actually broadcasting news, and the list could go on and on, and so could I.

So 2010, please let it be a year where our eyes our opened to the wolf in sheep's clothing; where we stop believing everything we are told; where we make independent choices based on facts, not promises; the year that we force change within our corrupt government; and a year that democracy and capitalism reign free. Let 2010 be a year filled with happiness, joy and celebrations. (this was not where I was originally going with this post)

(((steps off soapbox)))

Anyway, I hope that everyone has a happy and joy filled 2010. Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday!

2009-12-31T10:45:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Paul,
Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday Paul, I hope that you have a fabulous day!

Happy Anniversary

2009-12-29T10:49:00.001-06:00

To my Mom & Dad,

Happy 30th Anniversary!! I hope you have another 30 years even better than the last 30 years! Congratulations!

Love, Jennifer

Mwah ha ha....I'm back

2009-12-29T10:34:00.003-06:00

Well, I have been on a bit of a hiatus lately. Andrew and I took a nice trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland, celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas and I managed to get pregnant in the middle of it all.

Yep, I am almost 9 weeks pregnant (tomorrow) and things have been a little hectic to say the least. Honestly this blog has been the furthest from my mind. I have however been posting on my baby blog and have been trying to get caught up on posts from finding out I was pregnant until now. Almost Done!

I will be trying to be better about posting here all you loyal readers, but if your curious about the pregnancy and feel the need to dive into my very personal life (even though it is not that personal since I am blogging about it) please feel free to check it out here.

Ta Ta for now!

Raining Cats & Dogs

2009-10-29T16:10:00.004-05:00

This week we have had some pretty miserable weather. It has been pouring all day, but we should have a beautiful weekend. Small price to pay, right?

Working at home really is fabulous when there is bad weather.

1. You don't have to go out in it, and

2. You get to see hilarious things like this:

Here are Boomer and Busby watching the rain during breakfast...

U2 Tix...Hub Rocks - Update

2009-10-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday October 14th, Andy and I went to see U2 live at Reliant Stadium with opening guests Muse. I can only say that it was absolutely brilliant. Muse were mint and U2 were epic. Enjoy some pix from the show (the first in Muse, the rest U2):

Amazing Show!!!

Where are you trying to go, Australia?

2009-10-21T12:46:00.005-05:00

My little darling Busby has discovered he has talent. Digging.

Recently we have gotten a new neighbor behind our house. This new neighbor also has two small dogs, who love to come outside and have a little yap. Once Boomer and Busby here the new dogs they are out the doggy door faster than lightening for a bark off. This is great, especially at 2 in the morning [insert sarcasm here].

Something recently has changed. The other day, it went from barking at the neighbors to Busby realizing his new talent, digging. Sunday, Andrew spent over an hour replacing boards where Busby had tried to get through and filling in the hole that Busby had dug.

What Busby doesn't realize is that there is a double fence, so it he gets past ours, he has a whole other fence to get under. Monday morning, Boomer and Busby were at it again, barking loudly at the neighbor dogs, so I went outside to bring them in, only to find Busby digging a new hole.

I dropped a brick up against the fence and filled the hole. They both came in side and were good for about ten minutes and then I heard the dog flap again and Bubsy howling. I went outside to get him and he had started a new hole. Here are some pictures:

Hmmm...I'm going to get that other barky dog:

Is there something on my face?I'm almost there:Ta Da!!!

Needless to say, both Boomer and Busby were sent to the groomer to get a bath after the digging excursion!

OMG..this place is fantabulous!!!!

2009-10-12T16:21:00.006-05:00

This weekend Andy and I thought that it would be a good idea to go look at houses. Well, let me re-phrase, Andy thought that it would be a good idea to go look at houses. A new house had been something that we have been mulling over for quite sometime, but the prospect of having a buyer for ours without listing it on the market definitely kicked house hunting into first gear.

We in all our brilliance decided that we would go look at a new development called Towne Lake. We new the price point was high, but this is the type of community where you don't exactly see the prices plummeting in the near future or distant future for that matter.

We started by touring a Coventry home, which was very nice and impressive. We met with the sales guy and went through some of the price points, got a package and went and looked at two other almost completed floor plans. The plans were very nice, but for good measure we thought that we would pop into the David Weekley home next door.

OH MY GOD!!!

This house was the most beautiful house that I have ever seen in my entire life. It was exactly my style and what I would most certainly consider my dream home. So beautiful. The architecture was stunning and the designer cleverly mixed different textures such as wood, slate, granite, carpet with shear brilliance. The house had a raised foyer complete with beautiful hardwoods, a study to the left with exposed beams and hardwood floors, a lowered dining room to the left (gorgeous), stairs to the right, powder room to the right, family room straight ahead and sun room to the right that leads out to a small but grand courtyard. Don't even get me started on the kitchen, outdoor living patio, and the 'owner retreat'.

I could go on for hours about all of the beautiful rooms and extras in that house. The warm feeling you get when you open the front door. It was a real, 'this is my home' feel when you walk in. Andy knew that it was love at first sight for me and I think that he will admit that the secondary staircase did it for him. This is our dream home and it will only cost us oh, $500k. Yep half a million or so. This house, to me, is worth it. But the price tag I fear will keep it as our dream house and just that.

If you have tons of money and think you could swing it, I would definitely recommend checking out the David Weekley Collette model in Towne Lake. It is worth the drive, even if you only get some brilliant design tips....bring your camera!

The pen IS mightier than the sword.

2009-10-07T16:38:00.003-05:00

Monday night Andrew and I went to see Snow Patrol at Warehouse Live! downtown. We were both excited about seeing this show, first because we like Snow Patrol and secondly because we haven’t been to a concert in what seems like ages.

We got downtown and paid a measly $5 for parking, which is super cheap, and proceeded to get in line to enter the venue. Before I got out of the car I checked my bag for any pens that might be hiding in there.

Now I am sure you as a reasonable person are wondering why I would be checking my bag for pens, right?

Well it is simple explanation really. About two years ago when we went to see Snow Patrol at the Verizon Theatre downtown, when going into the venue they search your bag, to be expected. When the security guard was checking my bag he started freaking out because I had a pen, okay 2 pens, in my bag which is by far the most horrible thing a person can bring to a concert. Seriously though, he got snippy with me (okay maybe I got snippy) and forced me to throw out my pens. No big deal right, wrong, especially if one of them is your most favorite pen ever, which one of these happened to be.

I was so mad. I was seething. Who did this guy think he was? It is a pen!!! What the hell am I going to do with a pen, write something down? I most certainly will not stab you or anyone else with it, assuming that, of course, is what you think that I might do with the pen, right? I can’t believe this happening, I have heard the pen is mightier than the sword but for real, do I look like MacGyver? Do I really look like someone who is going to use this pen as a weapon, you can’t judge me however by my current state of fury because I am about to stab you with my favorite pen, schmuck.

The whole incident ruined my night. I know that it is super petty, but then again making me throw out my favorite pen is pretty stupid as well.

Fast forward two years to the line at Warehouse Live! to see Snow Patrol, again, and me about to face the bouncer with my open purse pens removed, or so I thought. Yep, two pens, still in my purse. I removed two in the car and missed the two that were floating at the bottom of my bag. I was so mad, again. I know that the stupid security guy is only doing his job; but did he actually need to put his flashlight in my bag and start touching things and moving them about. If he had of just looked like a ‘normal person’ there would have been no beefs and everything would have been cool. But NO, I had to throw away my pens.

So I tossed them in the garbage pail in a huff and then he was all like “throw’em in the box” and I was like,”Dude, they are in the trash, you suck”. Andy was all like, “calm down, he’s only doing his job, I thought you took all the pens out of your bag, you can’t be mad, you knew this would happen”.

But you know what? I am MAD. It is still stupid to make anyone throw away a frickin’ pen especially considering that I could so kill you with my lipgloss…schmuck.

On a side note, Snow Patrol was mint!

I'm sorry, you feel how?

2009-09-23T08:59:00.002-05:00

Andy has brought infectious disease into our house. Can you believe him? And when I say infectious disease, I mean the flu, obviously.

I like to think that for the most part we are generally a "sick" free household. We are very fortunate that we don't really get sick too often, but when we do it can be a real dousie.

On Thursday Andy woke up feeling a little sore and achy. He shrugged it off and went on to work. By the time he got home that evening, he looked a bit like death warmed over. He was sick, not only sick, but the worst kind of sickness that any man could ever get....MANFLU!!!

Aahhh...I know you are spraying your monitor with disinfectant with just the mention of the word.

Andy was scheduled off work on Friday and Monday for his birthday (which was the 19th) and rather than enjoying his time off, he spent it wheezing, sniffling, coughing and moaning. Which, can you blame him really? After all it is the MANFLU!!!

Well he just left to head into the office, for a few hours, or so he says. If you work with him, I would steer clear and be prepared with a can of Lysol. Apparently there are a few things that he has to take are of. Poor thing!

Wipe that silly grin off your face!

2009-09-13T08:52:00.003-05:00

Last week I said that I would post Boomer's hilarious "haha, I'm at the beach" grin...Well I got Busby's too.

Don't mind the demon eyes, I left the flash on...whooops!

Happy Labor Day

2009-09-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Labor Day! I hope you are enjoying your labor free day. Party on!

PS. Happy Anniversary Paul & Gaye!!!

We are finally getting on a flight and going home.

2009-09-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Andy and I are looking forward to our upcoming trip home! Woo Hoo! It has been ages since either of us has made the long journey, but we both know how amazing it is going to be.

It has been about 10 years since my boots have stepped on the ground of Ireland. I really cannot believe that it has been soooo long. This trip however, my boots will only be on Irish soil a short while. We will be visiting England, Ireland, and Scotland all in the short time frame of 12 (really only 11 if you count travel days) days.

We will be flying over on Wednesday, November 11th in the evening, arriving in London on Thursday, November 12th. From London, we will take a train to Crick to visit Andy’s brother, Paul and his family. After spending the weekend there, we will be taking a train to Manchester on the Monday to visit Andy’s Mum’s side of the family. On the Tuesday we catch an early flight to Dublin to visit my Dad’s family in the morning and a drive up to Blessington to visit my Mum’s side of the family that evening. On the Wednesday we them take a flight to Edinburgh to visit my two aunts that live there, then a train ride to Manchester on the Thursday to meet Andy’s Dad’s side of the family. On the Friday, we are planning a night out with Andy’s mates and then on the Saturday back to Crick to see his brother then shopping and back to the US on Monday.

Now looking at it all on paper, this is certainly not a trip of leisure, rather a whirlwind around England, Ireland and Scotland. I can’t wait. I know, doesn’t it totally seem rushed? Well that is because it is. Here in the US we don’t get a lot of vacation time, especially when you compare it to the vacation in Europe. They usually get six weeks; in the US you would have to give 20 years of service to get that kind of time off.

In a perfect world, we would enough money and time off to spend a month, but as we all know the world is not, so we’ll be flying around to see everyone. I am especially excited about getting to Ireland and getting my hands on a spice burger and a Brennan’s batch loaf to have a crisp sandwich! Yummy! And seeing the family too!

Bump, Bump it up, Bump it up....

2009-09-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of the "As seen on TV" phenomenon, Hair Bump It's? Fascinating aren't they?

My friend Kelly and I were totally obsessed with getting them and one fine July day, Kelly stumbled across them in her local HEB. She immediately picked up the phone to call me to let me know that they had them and there were plenty of them in stock if I wanted to pick one up for myself.

I immediately got into my car and hauled it over to the store to get my own set of Bump Its. It was brilliant, I was so excited. I hurried home to give them a whirl. I raced to the bathroom, ripped open the box and there they were, a small medium and, holy crap that is a tall, large large Bump It. I opened up the instruction booklet, read the instructions for the basic bump and proceeded to make my head look totally deformed. That's right deformed. They were not working for me.

You see, my main issue was that my hair is super fine, so when I tried to pull my hair up at the designated area according to the "instructions", my hair was so thin that you could see the Bump It and then would fall off, and before you ask I used a bottle of hairspray. So I thought, well maybe a bit further back on my head and it will work, nope, not a chance, now I looked like an alien because my head was that deformed looking. To make matters worse, as I was trying to figure it all out, and still looking completely deformed, Andy walked into the bathroom and just started laughing.

Bump Its, you suck! - Leave it, unless you have super thick hair and a hairdresser like the do in their video.

There is nothing better than a long weekend at the beach.

2009-09-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

Today, after work is finished, Andy and I will be packing up the car and the dogs and heading down to Galveston for the long holiday weekend.

I must admit that going to Galveston is probably my most favorite thing to do. I love going down and getting away from the house, Houston, and the job. For me, I think that I find it more of a break than Andy does. Because I work from home I never really get away from my office, work is always there staring back at you. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about working at home, in fact it has made me appreciate the little weekend excursions even more.

Anytime we are heading down, I get super excited and find that on the day that we are leaving I can get very easily distracted. Even the dogs get excited when we are going. They can always tell because we pack a couple of bags and when we start to gather a few toys for them and pick up their bed, they go bananas because they know that they are going to the beach. Even when they get there the two of them have stupid grins on their faces for hours. I will try to get a picture of this and post it so you can see what I am talking about.

Whenever we go, we always leave right after work, I am not a fan of arriving on a Saturday morning because I always feel like we wasted half the day getting there. So Friday night after work is good for us. Tonight we will be there for the long holiday weekend and I just can't wait.

Our Labor Day weekend will be filled with sand, surf, and some good books. Do you have any plans or a favourite place to go?

How many sleeps til Christmas?

2009-09-03T12:00:00.004-05:00

On Sunday, Andy and I had a little shopping to do. We needed to get groceries and also needed to make a stop at Hallmark to pick up some cards, not to mention I had some coupons that I wanted to use before they expired.

When we arrived at Hallmark, we were completely shocked to find that they were open, as we have the best luck of arriving just after they close because they have the weirdest hours. Anyway, so we get to Hallmark, just as we open the front door, we see the Halloween merchandise on display, and as we turn right inside the store and head towards the greeting cards, right there in front of us is a wall of Christmas Ornaments and other Christmas stuff! I was in complete shock. It was August 30th for Pete's sake!!!

I know they say that Christmas comes early every year, but I didn't think that in August the merchandise would already be on the shelves. Wow.

This actually sent me into a panic. All of a sudden I felt overwhelmed with the thought that Christmas was just around the corner and I had not made a single plan, not a single list. Last Christmas I told myself that I was going to start shopping for presents in January and pick up bits and baubles throughout the year. I am rubbish and completely forgot that I was going to until I saw the Christmas stuff.

Well I suppose that I had better get cracking, after all its only 112 sleeps, 12 hours, 42 minutes until Christmas!!!

If you need a countdown, check out Santa's Official Christmas Countdown here.

Go Team 6!

2009-09-02T11:02:00.006-05:00

Last night we had our social for the new Ticket Services Committee for the HLSR. I was fabulous! I have 7, that's right, 7 confirmed team members!!

For those of you still interested in getting in on the superness of our Team, you can e-mail me at jennifer.ticketservices@gmail.com and I will send you some details.

For those of you on my fabulous team: YOU ROCK!

We are all from Africa so race should never be an issue again, ever.

2009-09-01T13:13:00.003-05:00

Today I wrote all about this show that Andy and I watched called "The Human Family Tree" on my other blog. So, I thought I wuld post it here also.

09/01/2009: Andy recorded a show the other night called "The Human Family Tree" and last night we watched it. Andy is really good at remembering to set the DVR, where I am absolute rubbish, I usually end up erasing everything. Anyway, back to the show. This show is about how genetically we are all 99.9% the same all coming from one woman 60,000 years ago called "Scientific Eve". I know, how nutty?

Apparently they took over 350,000 DNA samples from people today and using genetic markers were able to trace everyone back to this one woman in Africa and road map out of Africa the Human migration over time. It was very interesting.

The show featured some of the people that gave their DNA to the project. It was interesting how two people from modern Asia assumed that they came from Asia always and it turned out that they came from completely different branches of the human migration from Africa, one through the Middle East and India and the other through Eastern Europe then onto Asia. There was also a young Black man on the show, who was sure that his line started in Africa and went straight to the US during Slavery, but was completely shocked to realise that his genetic markings had his history from Africa into Europe and later to the US, the male "Y" marker in his genes did not come from Slavery. It was totally crazy and he was a bit perplexed about his results.

What this project did show was that we all really do come from the same place and our genetic markers are proof, the only difference is what route we took to get out of Africa. This can completely change the way that people look at race in the world, that we are all the same and we only kill our brothers and sisters in war.

Check out their site and if you want you genetic history, you can order a kit from the project for the super low price of $99.95! Very Interesting!!!

What the hey? That really itches and I haven't even exposed that part of my skin.

2009-08-31T21:22:00.003-05:00

I just got bitten by something on my hip. It wasn't there 5 minutes ago, and I haven't left the house. It really itches.

How come all of a sudden bites show up out of nowhere and you know that there are no mosquitoes on the couch?

Ouch.

People die every day, you don't need to cover it 24/7

2009-08-27T13:47:00.003-05:00

As I am sure you are all aware, Ted Kennedy has died. That is of course unless you have been living in a box then you wouldn't be reading this. Every news channel has the coverage of his death and are showing repeats of the coffin being loaded into the hearse.

Yeah, its sad. He died, that's what happens, but there is other news!!!

Oh and according to one anchor it is such a coincidence that Tropical Storm Danny is heading towards the northeast because Ted Kennedy loved the song Danny Boy...what a stretch.

Can you please get back to what the hell is happening in the world now?

I am so not nagging at you, I'm only trying to help you.

2009-08-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

This weekend, Andy and I took full advantage of the tax free weekend and did a little shopping. Every year, we get this yummy little break from paying sales tax on any clothing items. In Texas, we do not pay income taxes at the state level, instead we pay an 8.25% on general merchandise, well everything but groceries, which really works out quite well.

Andy really needed some new work clothes so we took a trip to Macy’s to get him some new slacks and shirts. I must say that we did really well; we even got him some new shoes. I thought that it was a very productive morning but I am not sure that Andy felt the same way.
I really think that he was very frustrated with the shop, well maybe more frustrated with me. I seem to have this keen knack for driving Andy absolutely insane or getting him really upset. He even goes a far to say that I nag and annoy him. I never thought that I was annoying or nagging, but apparently I do.

Even though I got on his nerves, we still managed to get him four great shirts, four pairs of slacks, three pairs of socks, a belt, and a nice pair of shoes. So all and all a good day, with a little nagging and a lot of shopping.

Just because I spend weekend harvesting my "pretend" crops it doesn't make me a loser.

2009-08-23T20:58:00.002-05:00

Lately, I have not been very good about writing my blog, well either of them recently. I have been really busy as of late between the HOA and work. I won’t go into work details as I need my job, desperately, but the HOA is a different story, well not too many details.

I have served on the HOA for the past two years. When Andy and I bought our house in February 2007 I never thought that I would ever serve on the board. In August of 2007, a man knocked on our door, asking us to sign a proxy for the HOA annual meeting. I convinced Andy that we should go to this meeting to see what it was all about, what I didn’t know was that I was destined to serve on the board.

On Thursday night, we had our annual meeting. I spent the week leading up to the meeting going door to door getting proxies signed and coloring elevation plans that I had picked up from our architect. I knew that this was going to be a difficult meeting and I knew that there were going to be some very tough decisions to be made, but they were necessary for the better of the community.

Work has been hectic and that is all that I will say about that.

I have always thought that I had some form of ADD as I can’t ever seem to get focused long enough to get things done, like this blog, Facebook, cleaning the house; however I have found a new thing to keep myself occupied. I have recently begun playing Farmville on Facebook, and I am addicted.

This is a major part of my neglect to my blog, honestly. In fact, it is so bad Andy felt it was interrupting our lives enough to write about on his rant blog, Fine Red Whine, and call me a loser.

Maybe I am a loser, but I got to go, my crops are ready for harvest!

Really? Are you that bored?

2009-08-13T10:42:00.002-05:00

Last night, Andy and I were driving home when I looked over at the car next to us. I couldn’t believe what I saw, so I thought I would share with you.

Sometimes while driving, you can glance over at a car passing by and notice that the driver is doing something. In fact it can be a variety of things such as picking their nose (gross), applying make-up, eating. Andy said he once saw a lady driving with her feet on the dash down a major interstate, he assumed she was using cruise control. You can really see all sorts of things.

However, last night was fricking crazy. The guy in the car next to us was twiddling his thumbs?!? WTF? Really is driving so boring that you rest your hands on the steering wheel and start twiddling? Wow, seriously? To me that is absolutely nuts and just plain weird.

Doggy Spa Day

2009-08-12T11:58:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, I took Boomer & Busby to the groomers for a little doggy spa day. Well actually they both smelt awful and needed a bath. When I got to the groomers, they asked if I wanted the usual cuts and I said yes for Boomer and a little shorter for Busby. The girl then asked me if I wanted a summer cut for Busby. I said okay and left.

This is what they looked like before their groom:

When I returned that afternoon to pick them up, they didn't look like the same dogs, especially Busby. Busby also came back with a new attitude, hating me.

Aren't they cute? (Boomer is in the front, Busby is in the back)

I need volunteers - HLS&R

2009-08-07T13:37:00.003-05:00

I am desperate for recruites, so here is me shamelessy looking for voulunteers:

Howdy Y'all!

I am looking for any individuals that would like to join the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and serve on a new committee for the 2010 Show. I have been given the privilege to join the Ticket Services Committee and serve as a Captain for this new Committee. As we are new, we have the task of recruiting team members for our Team. I am looking for 40-45 Volunteers to serve on my Team for this upcoming Rodeo.

There are 10 Captains and we have been requested to build a team of 40-45 members. It is not very often that the Rodeo creates new committees, so it is an experience to get in a committee from the ground up. This is a service committee and requires volunteers to work shifts during the Rodeo.

One of the bonuses of the Ticket Services Committee is that we will be very fortunate in not having to work in the elements as most committees do. Each Team will work six (6), five (5) hour shifts at the Rodeo in a Ticket Booth, with thirty minutes before and after balancing. Our general responsibility for the 2010 Season will be selling general admission tickets during the Rodeo.

The HLSR requires that all committee volunteers are at least 21 years of age (If you turn 21 prior to Feb 27, 2009 you can join) If you would be interested in joining the committee or would like more information, please let me know.

Also if you know anyone that may be interested, please pass this on with my contact information.

jennifer.ticketservices@gmail.com

Is it raining? No, it's just the sprinkler!

2009-08-06T08:48:00.002-05:00

Andy and I have had some serious conversations in the past about installing a sprinkler system at the house. Well not us physically installing it ourselves, but having someone else do the manual labor. Our gardener told us when we were having him dig out new flower beds that his brother installs sprinklers and he could give us a quote if we wanted. That was about six months ago.

This morning at the crack of dawn, okay 8 am, I hear the doorbell. I am still in my pajamas for crying out loud! It is our gardener and some guy.

Me: “are you here to cut the grass? It’s Thursday you know and you’re not supposed to be here till Saturday?”

Gardener (in a Mexican accent):“this is my brother, he do sprinklers for you, We go look?”

Me: “Okay”

And off they go to the backyard to price it out. So then they finally return.

The brother: “I do for $1800”

Me: “$1800? For what?”

The brother: “7 Heads, 3 front, 3 back, maybe 4”

Me: “Huh?”

The Brother: “I put 2 over there, 1 over there on side, and 3, no 4 in back”

Me: “I have to talk to my husband”

The Brother: “you have number, you call, okay”

Me: “okay, thanks”

Holy crap, $1800, he lost me after that. I really did not think that it would cost so much for sprinklers! I called Andy and told him the price. All he could say was “Seriously”. I am taking that as a no for now. But we’ll think about it. I guess I will still have to go out and turn on the little sprinkler from Target and move it around the garden for now. Unless someone has a spare $1800!

We're broke, but lets keep spending anyway?

2009-08-04T14:58:00.002-05:00

Cash for Clunkers? Seriously, how stupid is this? This is one of the more ridiculous programs introduced by our moronic administration. As usual the theme rings out with them, you have to spend more to get out of debt?!? Apply that to your finances and let me know how it works out for you.

I am completely perplexed by the whole ideology of spending your way out of debt; do they have no common sense or sleep through basic economics? The Cash for Clunkers program is a prime example of what is wrong with this administration. Let’s look at the basic principal of the program: You bring your older model (in working condition) to a dealership and the dealership will apply up to $4,500 towards the purchase of a new, fuel efficient car* (*restrictions will apply).

Lets think about it, who drives a clunker? Some one who usually cannot afford to buy a new car. If they cannot buy a new car, do we really think that applying up to $4500 off the price of a new car is going to help them or did we just burden them with a car payment. Oh and now they will need full auto coverage for the new car which is also going to increase their monthly outgoings.
What about spare parts dealers? You know when you need a part for your car that you were going to repair because you are smart enough to realize that you really can’t afford the new car; well now that all these clunker cars are being destroyed the parts cannot be salvaged.

Does this remind you of anything else that we might have done wrong in the past? I don’t know mortgages maybe? Giving them to people that really can’t afford them? Collapsing the economy? No? Okay?

This is not capitalism and we cannot afford it. Our children will be paying for this for years to come. It may seem like a good idea now as mainstream media will have you believe, but the ripple effect will be bad.

This is my opinion, you don’t have to agree.

Boot Scootin' Boogie

2009-08-02T13:30:00.006-05:00

Last night, Andy and I went to the Wild West with Kelly & Steve. Kelly invited us out as Steve just turned 30. Night clubs are really not our thing, but we said that we would definitely go. So we got cleaned up and headed out around 9:30. We ended up having a really great time and met some new folks, Karla & David. Karla is also a blogger and you can check it out here.

Anyhoo...we had a few drinks and even did some line dancing, granted it was not to country music but we still did it. I was really surprised how much Kelly likes to dance and must admit that she is totally braver than I am. I am very self conscience about dancing in public and feel my dancing should only be seen in the safety of my own home after a few bottles of champagne.

This was Andy's first time at Wild West and I think that he enjoyed himself, especially the bits where he was laughing at me trying to dance. He thought that it was funny how everyone in the club either danced around in circles or straight lines.

Another great thing that came out of last night is that I may have some new recruits for the Rodeo!!! Very exciting. Karla said she would definitely be interested and her sister would too. Kelly is going to take a bit more convincing.

Overall it was a great evening and we really had a great time. Thanks Kelly!

Milk & Cookies

2009-07-31T11:03:00.003-05:00

I forgot just how delicious a chocolate chip cookie tastes with a big glass of cold milk...Yummy!

We're off to the Ro-dee-oh..

2009-07-30T11:22:00.005-05:00

Well, it is that time of year again, Rodeo Time. I know, you're thinking, 'Rodeo, but that's in February/March' and I would say you're right, unless you are on a Rodeo Committee for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which will be hence forth abbreviated as HLSR, cause that is its acronym. I have for the last 3 years been a very proud member of the HLSR & the Transportation Committee, which is the working committee that I serve.

This will be my fourth year, and I think that I will actually be serving on two committees. Last year I was very honored to be promoted to Assistant Captain of the Office Team. You see, the Transportation Committee, is so huge (900+ volunteers) that we have lots of teams with in the committee. Last year, our awesome Chairman thought that for consistency we should have a team that dealt strictly with office obligations. These tasks include managing all of the Show vehicles and making sure our VIP guests have a ride and a vehicle at their disposal. It was really tough.

One of the main obstacles was getting qualified people in the office. People who were intelligent, computer savvy, quick thinkers. We had twenty dedicated folks and each of the working teams on a shift would need to supply three workers from their teams to support the office. Some Team Captains were fabulous and supplied great office workers and others simply did not have the resources and the office suffered greatly. I think that overall, it was a great idea, but it was very difficult to coordinate everything well with the Captains. Oh well...that's trial & error.

This year we will not have an office team, sadly, and the office control will go back to the teams as it has been ran in the past. I only found this out however last week when my VC, who I would consider a friend, called to let me know that the Chairman decided to go back to the old ways, but if I would be interested with going with her to a new committee. This is super exciting. We will be getting in on a brand new committee in its first year! And she also mentioned something about a possible position, but the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a committee is few and far between.

So I told her that I would definitely be interested and we have our first meeting next week! So for the 2010 Rodeo season, I hope to be on two committees. I absolutely love Transportation, so I don't think that I could give it up and I have been invited back and hope to for many years to come. It's Rodeo Time!!!

Get out of my head, please

2009-07-29T07:28:00.003-05:00

Last week I posted about a little you tube video called "Auto Tune the News". Ever since I heard that damn song, I cannot get it out of my head. I'll be sitting in the living room with the Hub and all of a sudden the tune starts coming out of my mouth. The usually turns to me and mumble "seriously?". The tune, I will admit is quite catchy and I suppose it's too late for me. Well the video has gone viral, surely because I posted the link here on my little blog! "It's ti-ime to stand up and say, we have a choice, we have a choice"... not again...

Auto Tune

2009-07-22T17:32:00.003-05:00

I was watching Glenn Beck on Fox this afternoon, when at the end of his show he showed a tease of this video called "Auto Tune", I was intrigued, so I checked it out on You Tube. Very funny..Check it out here .

I am so freaking lazy!

2009-07-20T13:06:00.002-05:00

Why is it that you wake up on Monday morning’s feeling like death warmed over? How is it that you can be so tired? I have never been the super early riser and I thank the Heavens every day that I do not have to get up and drive myself into an office. I know that there is absolutely no way that I could make it on time; I can hardly make it down the hallway on time.

I don't think that it was always like this; in fact I know it wasn't. When I first got my job with my current employer, I started every morning at 8am sharp. I was never late, and I had to drive across town. I would get up around 5am and take Boomer for a long walk around the block, which was almost a mile, then got ready for work and headed across town. I did this with no problems for about 9 months until I moved to an office closer to my house. Still my routine did not change, and I was up and at it early in the morning and off to work.

In August 2007 I started working from home, and that was the key to my undoing. Since I have been working out of the third bedroom, now home office, I can honestly say that I am totally a lazy git. I roll out of the bed and head down the hall to the office. I don't even know what 5am looks like, and I no longer have to take Boomer for long walks thanks to the doggie door to the back yard.

I know that I need to get up early, exercise, eat healthily and all that other rubbish, but honestly, I couldn't be bothered. I have lost my drive. I can't even be bothered to put the damn pedometer on and creep out to the garage and jump on the pricey treadmill that was a must have (admittedly more by the Hub, I wanted an elliptical) even though I knew damn well that there was a slim to no chance I would be getting on that thing, seriously.

How totally pathetic am I? I know my faults, what I need to do to be a better healthier person, but I don't really care...Sad, right?

Swearing Makes You Feel Less Pain

2009-07-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

I read this article on Fox News today about how swearing can take away pain. This is fabulous, it's like saying it is totally okay to curse. I know that when I hit my toe against something and "Sh!t" comes flying out of my mouth uncontrollably it definitely helps. What do you think, swearing making you feel less pain...I say why not!

An Era Gone By

2009-07-13T10:19:00.009-05:00

Saturday Night, the Hub and I went back in time to an era gone by. Not really time travelling, but you know, in a general way. We went to a Drive-In, which was a first for both of us and something that we always wanted to try, but finding a theatre was very difficult.

Last week, the Hub sent me a link to a website for the Showboat Drive-In in Hockley, Tx which is right up the road from us off of 290. Excited, we decided that we would definitely go this weekend.

Saturday night, we packed the Expedition with some blankets. pillows, and a cooler with water and headed out the door. We took 290W and then Bauer Road to FM 2420 As we were approaching the Drive-In, we could see the top of the screen in the distance. Very exciting. When we pulled up to the gate, there was a short line in front of us. We pulled up to the window and paid $5 each to see two movies, Transformers 2 and Drag Me To Hell. Our movies were playing on the front screen and on the back screen were Ice Age 3 and Night at the Museum 2. In between the two screens was a large concession building.

As we pulled into the front lot, there were many raised rows. There were not many cars there and we chose a spot on the third row in the middle. The Hub backed the Expedition in. After contemplating the seating arrangement while watching from the back of the truck , we thought that it might get a bit uncomfortable, considering we would be back there for at least 2 1/2 hours during Transformers. We opted to turn the truck around and watch from the front seat, the old fashioned way.

In front of the screen there was a large green area that had a playground and there were a lot of children playing with their parents, whether on the equipment or playing a game of catch. It is not often that you see that these days. It was like turning back the clock as you heard the children laughing and playing, families enjoying a night out.

The Hub and I went to the concession stand to get something to snack on and a couple of drinks. The Hub had a hamburger and I some chicken strips. It was a fairly large portion, in fact, I could not finish mine. For the price it was a very good deal. We both use the facilities which were tidy and grabbed a popcorn for the movie. We headed back out to our truck, got in and put down all the windows. You are not allowed to leave the engine running, and it is July in Texas. We actually thought that we would be uncomfortable with the heat, but there was a lovely breeze.

The movie started just after nightfall at 9:10. We forgot to bring bug spray, but surprisingly, we were not bitten by a single mosquito. It was really a fabulous time. The picture was very good, and because the sound was on your radio, the quality was very good as well. It was definitely a great experience. We decided to stay for the second movie, it was a bit scary, I am just glad that it wasn't the Blair Witch Project, because out in the middle of nowhere a scary movie gets a little scarier!

Overall, we had a wonderful night and will definitely be going back and suggest you give it a try if you're looking for and inexpensive night at the movies. The whole night cost us $30, which is a steal. Check out their website: The Showboat Drive-In

The Grass Is Greener...On My Neighbor's Lawn

2009-07-08T17:04:00.006-05:00

For those of you who don't live in the Houston area, we finally got some rain Tuesday morning, a sprinkle, but rain none the less. It has probably been about 2 years, okay more like 6 weeks since the last drop of rain fell from the sky at my house and lent a drink to my parched, yellowing, dead lawn. Not only have we no rain we are also in a burn ban and have know been forced into drought condition watering of our dead lawns.

I think that the Hub holds me personally responsible for the drought, however, I highly doubt the drought condition had anything to do with my accidental over watering of the lawn that one time, okay two times, for 10 hours causing a river to run down our street. With rapids. And no, that was not the neighbors cat, clutching on to a garbage can lid floating down the street cursing me for wasting one of his nine lives...whoopsie!

I would like to illustrate what happens to your grass. In the picture below is my grass, if that is what you want to call the now kindling (Yippee for the 4th & fireworks, shitting myself here that the yard and then house would catch fire). And let me specify, the green grass you see belongs to my neighbors and the not so green grass, aka kindling, is mine. Did I mention he has a sprinkler system:

I think that it is time to invest in a sprinkler.

Over the years, a stroll down skinny lane

2009-07-06T08:12:00.005-05:00

I thought I would share some 'skinny' pics. I was not a heavy child, but at some point everything changed and I started to gain weight like a steer going up for auction. I really have no excuses, but I know that if I really want, I can make a change and loose the weight. It's funny looking back on some pictures from highschool where I thought back that I was a whale...if I only knew then what I know today, oh how it would be different. I would be different and probably a lot thinner because I don't think I ever would have let it get this out of control. So here is me:

I was about 4 maybe 5 in this picture, and the brunette is my sis LisaThis was my first day of school...awesome uniform...I was a catholic school girl!

This lovely picture is with my little bro Joseph, I was 9...and it was the eighty's. (don't laugh at my white socks)

This is my prom pic, I really thought that I was fat, I would kill someone to be that size againThis is from my graduation party (10 years ago) again I thought I was HUGEAnd finally, here is me on honeymoon in the Bahamas.

My goal these days, is to try to shed a few (all) of the extra pounds I picked up over the years and get healthy. Wish me luck.

LBS Down Update 2

2009-07-06T07:41:00.005-05:00

Okay, so last week was not the greatest week. Only 0.4 lbs down. I know, not very good. Even though I climbed the steps at the beach house a billion times, it was not enough to off set the alcohol...damn you beer....fresh start this week...I can do it!!!

I Heart Galveston

2009-06-30T07:19:00.004-05:00

As I am sure that everyone knows, unless you lived in a bucket, last year Hurricane Ike ravaged the Houston/Galveston area. Luckily for the Hub and I we escaped with little damage, only a downed fence and no electricity for 11 days. What didn't fair so well was my In-laws beach house on the West End of Galveston Island. It survived the storm and was still standing, and from the outside you would have thought nothing was wrong, but when you walked inside it was a different story.

The roof had lost some shingles and apparently a very important cover thingy mabobby at the peak of the roof. With the thingy gone, water was able to get inside the house and cause a lot of damage. With the humidity and the dampness from the leak it was a breeding ground for mold. A lot of the rooms had mold on the walls and on the carpets. It really looked bad and to say the least my MIL was devastated. It was horrible.

The hurricane was in September and it took the contractors the better part of 8 months to make all the necessary repairs to the house. I know that my In-laws are relieved that the house is finally ready and they have started using it again.

This past weekend, the Hub and I went down for the first time to stay since the Hurricane. When you walk in the house, you would never guess that anything had ever happened. The house is in immaculate condition. The workers did a fabulous job and my MIL has decorated the house just as it was. Beautiful.

Since the In-laws were out of town, and they are super amazing and let us use the beach house when we would like, so we brought down our friends, Matthew and Sam and their kids, Joseph & Jessica. Sam's Mum, Christine was over visiting from England, and we thought what a great weekend that would be for her and the kids.

We had a wonderful time. The weather was outstanding and it was the perfect relaxing weekend at the beach. We are very fortunate to have such an amazing family and great friends.

Next weekend, we will be spending the 4th at the beach house with the In-laws and know that it will be a fantastic time.

LBS Down Update

2009-06-30T07:12:00.003-05:00

This post is a little late, but I did not have access to a computer over the weekend. The Hub and I have been doing really well so far. Last week we went to the dog park several times and worked out on the treadmill. Every meal was home cooked and calorie/fat conscience. I am very proud of both of us. All the hardwork paid off and I'm down 2 pounds this week. Woo!

I Heart my Hub

2009-06-24T11:40:00.004-05:00

The Hub wrote a not so nice post about my issues with "your" and "you're" (only not so nice, because I feel stupid). I knew I had a problem and had even mentioned to him blogging about my issue, but he beat me to it today. You can read his post here, if you want. And do you know what else he told me last night? That I don't give shout outs to him often enough and why isn't his rant blog on my list of blogs I stalk?

Well:

VISIT MY HUBS TWO BLOGS (please):

Mancunian Moon

Fine Red Whine

and start following him.

They are actually both really good, and he deserves shout outs 'cause he is awesome and I love him, so there. You're welcome honey. See, I know my grammer.

Update - Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

2009-06-23T14:09:00.002-05:00

Just a quick update, remember how I blogged about the girl who fell asleep and woke up with 56 tattoos on her face? Well it turned out she lied. Go figure right? It turns out her Dad was so mad when he saw her that she lied to cover her butt. Pathetic.

Kate plus 8?

2009-06-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

Last night, after our walk at the park the Hub and I settled in with a nice cup of tea and Jon & Kate plus 8 on TLC. There was a big announcement about the future of the couple/show/family.

I guess that we all kind of knew what was coming with the constant tabloid headings, and photos of them alone (well Kate alone, Jon with some girl). They are getting separated. All the tabloids and media made Kate out to be this monster, but after watching last night, I really felt bad for her. She definitely showed more emotion than she ever has on the show and you could tell that she was absolutely devastated by the situation that she found herself in. I must admit I got teary-eyed a few times.

I have watched their show for a really long time, and though Kate came across as strict, I always thought that is exactly how I would be trying to keep 8 kids and a house in order. What was shocking to me was how Jon behaved himself. On the show he is always shown in a good light, but last night he came across as a selfish, arrogant, a**hole. It was all about him and how excited he was for his future. Every time he referred to Kate it was "her" or "she" not "Kate", while Kate always called him Jon. You can definitely see where the anger is and where the pain is. You can tell how distraught Kate is and how concerned that she really is for her children's well being, where Jon is concerned only about himself and what an inconvenience his wife is.

It strikes me that during her portions of the interview she had stressed that she never thought, ever, that she would find herself in this situation. She and her children were not going to be a statistic, and in her mind she was going to fight for what she had and her future. I don't think that anyone ever imagines them self in the situation that the Gosselins find themselves into today, but you hope that they can get through these hard times and wonder if you could do the same.

I don't think that I could imagine a life without the Hub and I know that I would be crushed if he ever pulled out a suitcase and headed for the door. I hope that we continue to communicate with each other and don't let our life crumble around us when the times get hard. I pray that we will always persevere and come out even closer and stronger.

As for Kate Gosselin and her children, I can only wish them the best and hope that they find the strength to rise from this horrendous situation and find happiness.

Fit Update 1

2009-06-23T06:54:00.004-05:00

Yesterday the Hub and I completed day 1 of our "get fit" program. I must say that we both did very well. We both ate healthily and went for a walk at the dog park. I did not drink as much water as I should of, finishing off yesterday with a bottle and a half. Today's goal, 4 bottles of water. I can totally do it.

I am wearing my totally awesome pedometer (the Hub bought me two years ago) for the first time and I am going to try to complete 10,000 steps today which is the equivalent of around 5 miles. Oh and I am going to a jazzersise class with Sam today. Go Me!!

Cool Stuff to Do in Houston for FREE

2009-06-23T06:09:00.001-05:00

I write for another blog, which is our HOA blog. Actually, I am the only one who writes, nevermind. The point was, I wrote up some free things to do with the kiddos this summer in and around Houston. So if you live here and need some ideas, you can check it out here. You're welcome!

Who's Been a Bad Girl?

2009-06-19T09:26:00.007-05:00

Last night over a yummy Chinese, the Hub and I had a little heart to heart. We are both very naughty, and not in the dirty sense, but in the way that we easily give into temptation and have not been taking the best care of ourselves.

I complained to him about not having much energy, always being so tired, and generally not very pleased with my appearance. I think that he shares some of the same feelings that I have, about himself. We always say we are going to be good and exercise, heck we even have two brand new treadmills sitting out in the garage that we fail to get our rumps on, and just never do it. Yes, we are totally lazy lumps.

We made a pact last night and signed a commitment to each other. Over the next six weeks, we are promising not to eat out or order in. I have committed to the treadmill four times a week with a minimum twelve miles and the dog park three times per week (they have a nice walking trail). The Hub has committed to the treadmill three times a week with a minimum of fifteen miles and the dog park twice (slacker). We have set a pound loss goal for ourselves, mine however, I may have been a bit enthusiastic and set the standard a tad high for myself, but what the heck...I'll go for it.

On the sidebar, I have a LBS Down section, so I'll keep you posted if you care to look. Later my Peeps.

CORRECTION: The Hub just called to let me know that I did not in fact review his contract/commitment correctly. Apparently, he's hitting the treadmill 5 days a week...you're still a slacker though...peace out

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

2009-06-18T16:52:00.004-05:00

Imagine this, you're eighteen years old and you decide to get your first tattoo. You go to the tattoo parlor, tell the artist what you want, three little stars above your left eye, and then fall asleep in the chair, only to wake up with 56 stars mapping the galaxy on your face!

Well it "happened" to a young Belgian woman. She claims that she went to a parlor to get three stars above her left eye, fell asleep and woke up with 56 stars on the left side of her face. Crazy!!

I can report from past experience, that there is no way in Hades, you are going to fall asleep when a needle is puncturing your skin 80-150 times a second, you read me right, 80-150 times per second. It hurts, granted I have three, but I felt everyone of them and I certainly wasn't able to take a nap.

You can read about it here. Sheesh.

Brain Games

2009-06-18T10:24:00.004-05:00

My brain physically hurts. It is pounding, and there is this dull numbing pain. I am working way to hard. Well actually the work is making my brain work way to hard. Do you ever start working on a project and no matter what you do, it just does not want to work for you? That is so my day today. I have had to ask for an extension on this project and I just can't get it to work. So frustrating. Need a genius please.

Home Field

2009-06-17T14:41:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, the Hub sent me a very curious e-mail. There was no subject, just a link. Being the curious girl that I am, I could not resist but immediately click on the link, as you do.

A new tab on my browser opened up and the BBC Sports page opened up, and where to my surprise, there was a football story . Now is this typical, absolutely, the Hub is a footie nut, and being the amazingly brilliant and fabulous wifey that I am I began to read the story ('cause you know he is going to ask me about it when he gets home).

This wasn't just any footie story, but a footie story about Real Madrid (where Ronaldo & Kaka are now playing) and one of their summer pre-season friendly matches. This wasn't any old match, this match was taking place in Ireland! And not just anywhere in Ireland, but in Dublin! And it gets better....if you know me then you know I'm from Dublin, and if you really know me well, then you know I am from a little suburb of Dublin called Tallaght...Not only was this match in Dublin, Ireland but it is actually in (you guessed it) Tallaght, against our local team, the Shamrock Rovers!!!

How cool is that? Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing football just down the road from my old house, down the road from my Nanny's! Very Cool

VW Aeroplanes & the Devil

2009-06-15T10:26:00.003-05:00

Normally, I would never write about my dreams because they are totally freaky and I don't want to scare anyone, but last night...sheesh..it was just nuts. So here is a peek into my insane subconscious. (Anything written below is complete fiction and does not reflect in anyway any persons I know or situations I have been in. I'm just saying)

Last night, I was a pilot, of a VW Golf, that flew, with no wings, and had a hatchback. It was also a 1989 model, navy blue, with a sunroof. (It was my first car...only cooler). I had to make a midnight flight somewhere, with Joyce (lesbian lawyer from the L Word, only she wasn't a lawyer, but a general of something) and she had somewhere important to go (not sure where) but we had to make a pit stop in a bad part of town to pick up Lisa & Anthony who was only a baby. And the Golf was full of junk (trash, empty water bottles…:::read I probably need to clean the house:::) and I didn’t know where they were going to fit. Then somehow we ended up in this horrible bar, and the Hub was there, except he wasn’t himself. Then we were taking like 5 more people in the airplane with us (don’t know where they will fit) in the ever expanding Golf/airplane. But everyone was getting drunk except me and that’s when I realized that we were in the devils tavern in hell. I tried to get everyone to leave but they were too drunk, they were falling for the evil demons that were posing as gorgeous men and women and I couldn’t control them. I got Joyce (aka general), Lisa, Anthony, and the Hub in the Golf and we were going to defeat the devil. As we took off we were in a desert like setting and then there was this giant wall. I set the Golf down and we got out. There were all sorts of weirdos around the wall and this giant mural of Jesus and a glowing heart. I quickly realized that it wasn’t Jesus’s heart, but the devils and he was hiding it for safe keeping. So I grabbed my knife (don’t ask me why I had a knife) and was going to stab the heart and kill the devil when Cristiano Ronaldo appeared. But it wasn’t Cristiano Ronaldo, it was the devil, so I stabbed the giant glowing heart in the mural and then I woke up.

Maybe, I should have kept this to myself?

Freaking Out. In a good way.

2009-06-12T07:38:00.003-05:00

OH.MY.GOD. Steenky Bee just commented on one of my posts, that is major. Her blog rocks...check it out here. I hope she comes back or what if she adds me to her blog roll? Ahhh!! Totally Freaking Out!!!!

Mmmm...pudding

2009-06-10T07:41:00.005-05:00

This morning I had fabulous black pudding on toast. It was so unbelievably delicious. In fact I have had it the last three mornings running. It is like a little taste of home all snuggled up with a nice cup of tea.

Don't judge.

Trapped

2009-06-05T15:35:00.005-05:00

Today I took the Hub's car to the local Brake Check to have the brakes checked, obviously. Last Sunday night we were out running an errand when as I was approaching a red light the brakes seemed to jam up. I was totally freaking out, because I honestly thought that I was going to hit the car in front of me. The car stopped, I didn't hit the car in front of me and the ABS light illuminated. The Hub asked me what happened and why the car was jerking (he was assuming that this was one of my excellent driving skills). I told him I wasn't sure, and he suggested that maybe we (:::read I:::) should take it to get looked at.

The darling Hub made the appointment at the Brake Check, calling me first to see what time I would be available to take the car. The appointment was set for 8am today. You see, apparently my job/time is less important as I am always the one who ends up on these errands while the Hub is at work. I do however think that it is easier for me to get away from my desk than he, as my time is a little more flexible than his.

I took the car and arrived 15 minutes early for my appointment. They guy at the shop took my car keys and asked me to explain the situation. I in my best automobile impersonation was repeating the noises in the only way I knew how, "well, it kind of went, ckchg, ckchhg and kind of ggggghhhh". At that point he let me know that they were going to go ahead and do a full inspection and then let me know what was wrong and an estimate to fix it.

The very friendly mechanic came back about thirty minutes later and told me to follow him. He was showing me what was wrong and I tried to act interested and as if I understood and then he was explaining it and it kind of sounded like Charlie Browns teacher, "mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah mwah, about $700". WTF?!?!? He is not so friendly afterall....robber.

Okay, maybe not a robber since they have to replace the whole thing that does that thing which connects to that thing and relays to the computer. So, I called the Hub, shocked him and then asked him to see if his Mum would come and get me. It has now been 8 hours without a vehicle and here are somethings I learned.

1. All women explain the car issue by trying to make the noise (another lady came in behind me and did the same thing I did....not alone)

2. Not having a ride, even though you have nowhere to go can leave you feeling trapped.

3. New brake thingy mabobbers are expensive...dang!

OMG, I Have Been Here Forever

2009-06-04T07:35:00.004-05:00

Last Friday, May 29, marked a milestone in my life. It was the 20th anniversary of my immigrating to the United States. I cannot believe that it has been that long, and look back wondering where the time has gone. I have spent 70% of my life here. It really is just shocking to me. 20 years!

I wonder sometimes how my life would have been different if I had not have come here. I know that I wouldn't have the luxury of things that I have here. I most likely wouldn't have my own car or house and I certainly wouldn't have met the Hub. I wonder what type of job I would have had. Would I have went to college or would I be married with 6 kids by now?

I suppose that everything in life is by chance and what is meant to happen does. I suppose I wasn't meant to grow up in Ireland. I was meant to come here and take a different path. While it has been a difficult journey to get where I am today, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It eventually brought me to the great love of my life, the Hub.

Censored? Seriously? Get a life.

2009-06-02T09:23:00.006-05:00

So, I am totally lame and have not posted in for.ev.er. There is stuff that I would like to write about, but I know that there will be serious repercussions if I do. How sad is that?

I started this blog as a way to get the junk of my chest so to speak, but because someone I know happened to stumble across it and tell some people that I didn't want to know about it, I have to censor what I am writing as to not hurt someones feelings. Or have some evil stuff happen to me as a sort of payback (yes, I have been threatened). Even the Hub has said no to a couple of things. Just in case. Which is really sad, because I haven't ever written anything that awful or mean only the truth.

The way I see it is if you don't like it, don't read it or you can stop doing crap to piss me off and then I won't have anything bad to say about you or the jacked up shit that happened. It's not my fault that you suck.

Is that too harsh? I can already feel the hate mail coming. Whatever.

Update - The Guy with the Show with the Soup Nazi

2009-05-30T09:09:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I am having to eat my words today. I must be honest and report that the Seinfeld show last night was really good and funny to boot. I was laughing my butt off and was completely surprised because I really did not think that it would be that good.

Great show, and I am glad that we went. I think that I definitely need to keep an open mind so I don't miss great opportunities like this in the future.

That Guy with the Show with the Soup Nazi?

2009-05-29T07:15:00.004-05:00

Tonight the Hub and I are going to see Jerry Seinfeld. I must admit that I was quite shocked when the Hub bought these tickets. I honestly didn't know that he was a fan. In all honesty I don't think that I am much of a fan.

I remember watching a few episodes of Seinfeld, but I never really got that into it or found it that hilarious. I know people must think that I am crazy. I thought the Soup Nazi was funny, but I don't know it is just one of those things.

So tonight I'll put on a dressy outfit, put on my face and head out to Jones Hall to see the show. I am going to try to keep an open mind and have a good time. Who knows I might be a fan after all. We'll just see.

It's Hot and I'm Confused

2009-05-27T09:53:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was the longest day ever. Considering how I felt like I had been hit with a 10 tonne mack truck, I was extremely pleased with myself for mustering the strength to get my butt out of the bed. I was absolutely destroyed from Monday, who would have thought that being on your feet for 12hrs straight cooking and drinking margaritas would be so exhausting? Now I was not hungover on Tuesday, just dead tired.

The first day of the week for me at work is usually an action packed day, it is also usually a Monday and with the Holiday I had extra crap to get out the door (I mean e-mailed). I love revenue reports first thing in the morning, whoopee! Cause your brain is always functioning super well when you just wake up.

So I busted my behind all day and about 4:30 I thought I would take a nap. Boomer, Busby jumped on the bed as I was crawling on and we all three tried to get a little shut eye. It was hot as Hades in that room though. I think that I was finally drifting off when I heard a hacking sound...thanks for that Busby, have a nap..no, clean up vomit off the bed. Gross. Got out the pet stain removal kit and cleaned up, back to nap. Dude it's hot. Lets check the weather. What? It's 94 degrees! Man we need to get our insulation checked or the AC cause it is hot in this house. I know the AC was set for like 74 or 76.

The Hub finally made it home from his horrendous day at the job around, hmm 7:30. We cooked some dinner and he was telling me all about his crap day. Then the Hub was like, its hot in here. So he went to check the thermostat and it was set to 86. Okay, who messed with the AC? No wonder. I felt like a total idiot as here I was sweating all day in this house, if I had only checked the AC. The Hub gave me the "did you not think to check the AC while you were sweating you butt off?" look. Cupcake anyone?

Weekend Update

2009-05-26T07:49:00.005-05:00

What a fabulous weekend, minus the 4 hours at the emergency vet, but other than that fabulous.

This weekend was action packed. Last week I thought it would be just a long boring, but restful weekend. Instead the Hub and I went to see two movies, Star Trek (very good) & Night at the Museum (very funny). I went out for drinks with the girls and then we had a party at ours on Monday with yummy fajitas and margaritas.

I love going to see "kids" movies during the day when there are children in the theatre. I have always found it more enjoyable when you can hear them laughing and gasping and pointing things out to their parents. However loud adults in a theatre make me want to scream.

On Saturday, we decided to throw a last minute get together on Monday. We spent the day running around getting bits and pieces and stocking up at the local liquor store. On Sunday, we picked up a "rustic" cooler for the patio and then the Hub settled in for some football. The last game of the season and there was a fight between three teams not to get relagated to a lower division. On the edge of your seat stuff. Unfortunately, football was interupted when we noticed Busby's stomach dragging on the floor.

We spent about four hours at the emergency vet. We thought that something was really wrong. Have you ever seen a puppy's stomach skin hanging off his body when you thought that they were perfectly healthy? I was freaking out. It turned out to be a bee sting that caused an edema. It is so strange looking. Busby spent the rest of the afternoon stoned. He looked like he belonged in Pineapple Express. He finally came around the next morning.

The party was very good. It started early and was over about 5:30, which was a nice change. Normally when we throw a party they go on into the night, but because it was a school night everyone finished up and left early. I think that this was the first time that the Hub and I where able to sit down and relax after a party, rather then going straight to bed wrecked. Overall no complaints.

Special love to the Hub today for being so fabulous!

Crisps Anyone?

2009-05-22T08:00:00.003-05:00

The Hub and I are both from "across the pond" so to speak. The Hub is from England and I from Ireland. (An unlikely pair...I know) One thing that we have in common is how much we miss some of the things from home, especially food items.

Now no matter how much I miss the yummies, I certainly don't think that I would ever move back permanently. Not that I don't love Ireland or the Hub doesn't love England, but we have made a life for ourselves here and it's a good one.

The Hubs parents just got back from a short trip to England. In the weeks leading up to their departure, the Hub and I came up up with a grocery list for them, a sort of "if your out and happen to see ____, can you pleeeeease bring some back? This same list is also sent to the Hub's brother in the event that he and his family are making the trip here to visit.

The list this time was a short one and looked like this:

Monster Munch pickled onion flavor (Me)
Hula Hoops any flavor (Me)
Ginger Nuts (Me)
Dairy Milk (Hub)
Fox's Glacier Dark licorice flavor (Me)
Any chocolaty biscuits (us)

Now the list in the past has also included items such as hot water bottles, custard, and teabags. This list was a Me list. The Hub didn't really even ask for the Dairy Milk, it is something they always bring back...an unwritten item that always makes its way into the nearest suitcase heading to our place.

It is crazy how a few sweets, crisps and biscuits can make you so happy. It is the ultimate comfort food when you can't get these here in the States. Now if only we could figure out how to get a full English and a Brennan's Batch loaf through customs then I would be in heaven.

I Know You Didn't!

2009-05-21T14:24:00.004-05:00

I just had the most annoying thing happen to me.

I just pulled into the Fiesta store by our house. The Hub wants Toad in the Hole for dinner tomorrow, so that means that I need some bangers (English Sausages). The only place close to me that sells them is the Fiesta store. So I pull into the parking lot and am on the main drag when I stop to turn down a lane to park. As I hit the brakes to wait my turn another car is driving past (a jeep).

I am stopped for a good 30 seconds when the jeep decides to stop also, blocking the lane in which I am going to turn down so he can let the cart guy past him. Well at this point I can't go anywhere so the cart guy hit my car with the carts. I looked in the mirror and he is mouthing off to me shaking his fist as if to say "what the hell did you stop there for bi@#%?" Uhmmm...I don't know, maybe cause I was going to turn down the lane?

I was so mad. What a poo head. I am so sorry that he hates his job and hates pushing carts in 88 degree weather...not my fault and it certainly does not give you the right to hit my car because you hate your life. So frustrating.

What would you have done?

Dirty Laundry

2009-05-21T08:00:00.003-05:00

When the Hub and I bought our first house together (only after 3 months of dating), we were so excited about having a place of our own full of our things. Whilst I had been living by myself for the previous 7 years, the Hub had only been here in the US about a year or so, and was staying at his parents. He's English...and yes, he has an accent.

He always told me that he didn't want to rent here and was waiting for the right oppurtunity to buy. I guess that I was that opportunity. I suppose we knew early on that we would be together For.Ev.Er.

When we bought our house we knew that we were going to need to purchase all new appliances as I was a renter and he had none either. His parents very graciously bought us a beautiful fridge as a housewarming present (much love to them...mwah) so that left us a good chunk of change to buy a washer and dryer.

Now, let me explain that I do not like to do laundry, fold clothes, iron clothes....so boring, but I thought that if I had a nice set of machines that all of a sudden I would love to do laundry. At least this was the argument that I sold the Hub on.

When I rented, I had to lug my laundry down to the laundry room which was a total pain, so I didn't do it often. I had a 3 month supply of underwear and enough outfits to go at least a month without washing a stitch. I really did sell the story to myself that if the machine was right there I most certainly would have done laundry all the time. It turns out I was lying.

When we were shopping for machines, I found a GE Profile set that had everything that I thought I wanted. The machines were digital, no agitator, load sensor, a bazillion different cycle choices from towels to ketchup removal, and the washer talked to the dryer! That's right, they are connected and the washer tells the dryer what was washed and the dryer know how long to dry it for and even has a dampness sensor! How cool...your jealous right?

The only thing these machines didn't do was empty the basket and fold and put away clothes after it was done. Funny how that the folding and putting away part was what I was really looking for and didn't know it then.

I had to have them, I begged the Hub, and he agreed! He is so fabulous. I had convinced him and myself that these new machines were going to make me want to do laundry. Miracle I tell you, miracle. For about a month my leaf was turned and I was a laundry whore. I washed everything. Those machines were great. And then it happened, the novelty wore off. I realized that I still didn't like to do laundry and our bedroom floor is proof.

Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE our machines, I just don't love the laundry!

Weeked Plans, or Lack Of

2009-05-20T08:21:00.005-05:00

This weekend is a long weekend, whoopee!! Most people are heading to the beach or planning bbq's. I think that the Hub and I must be the most boring people alive. We have absolutely nothing planned. The only thing that I know for sure is we are off on Monday and I'm making fajitas on Saturday.

It wasn't until last night that I asked the Hub if we had any plans or if there was anything that he wanted to do. He was completely indifferent. It is so strange, in my younger days I can say that I would be doing the same thing that I did most Memorial Day weekends, take my butt up to the Hill Country, get a tube and float the Guadalupe with a floating cooler of beer. How things have changed.

I am sure that we will go to the dog park, the Hub will watch some footy, I will do some laundry and maybe we'll head out to Macy's to get the Hub some new slacks. But maybe, just maybe, we'll be spontaneous and head down to the beach and enjoy the long weekend like most folks, topping it all off with some bbq.

Rabies, Ticks, & Fleas...Oh my!

2009-05-19T08:00:00.004-05:00

Friday I took Busby for his annual exam. The morning started out like any other morning. I got up, showered, got dressed and got ready for the day. I went and checked my e-mail and calendar to see what was going on. Busby was scheduled for a 9am visit with Dr. Pelton over at Hearthstone Animal Clinic.

It is so crazy to me, but for some reason my two dogs always seem to know when they are getting to leave the house, even without mentioning the words 'drive' or 'park'. This was certainly the case on Friday. As I was putting on my finishing touches, I went to get the leash for Busby (he has a tendency to run as fast as he can away form you..he thinks its funny. It's not.) and he almost peed himself with excitement. Well Boomer did also, but unfortunately (maybe fortunately) for him, he was staying put. Busby was due his annual vaccinations.

I took Busby into the garage. Boomer was staring up at me with the most pitiful look. He desperately wanted to come. No sooner than the door was closed, I could hear Boomer crying and barking from behind the door. It was tortureous. I opened the garage door, and Busby took of outside, only to be pulled back by the snapping of the retractable leash. He was bouncing all over the place. I picked him up and put him in the car seat for the drive. The minute that I started the engine, he realised that Boomer was not coming and he started to whine.

I closed the garge door (still listening to Boomer bark from inside the house) and started out on the 5 minute drive to the vet. Busby cried the entire way. It was awful, ear piercing, gut wrenching, and extremely irritating all at the same time. Fun.

Once we arrived at the vet he was so excited to see everyone there, but all that changed when Dr. Pelton stuck him with three needles and then took his blood and took a poo sample. He was very quite on the ride home, not a peep. I wonder why?

Blank Slate

2009-05-18T13:15:00.006-05:00

Have you ever just been blank?

Nothing to say, or nothing that interesting to say anything about. It has been a weird week for me. My brain has been unkind and unimaginative. I feel like someone has hacked into my crazy head and plucked out the good stories. I can't believe that I have been silent for almost a week.

I am gladly accepting topics!

On a happy note, Manchester United won the league...the Hub is pleased.

Murder Down the Road

2009-05-12T11:43:00.004-05:00

You never know what life is going to throw your direction.

Last night I was at my monthly HOA Meeting when one of the directors handed me a police sketch of a man. He asked me if I could post the picture on our community website. I asked him what happened and why.

I must admit that I don't watch the local news and only watch either Fox News or the BBC. If you have read any of my previous posts on the press, I don't trust left-wing liberal media. But anyway, that is neither here nor there. I had no idea that down the street a night manager at the Popeye's chicken was robbed and murdered and two employees locked in a freezer. (Read about it here)

I find this both disturbing and shocking.

I have known for quite some time that the area where I live is not the greatest, but I didn't expect to hear of a murder. I read some of the comments about the story and a lot of people are blaming the economy or just plain laziness and unwilling to work for this incident.

I have a hard time excepting that the economy is to blame. Criminals have been robbing and murdering for centuries, and using a worsening economy as an excuse is pathetic. It is the same old game, but now a little closer to home.

I feel terrible for the victim of this horrendous crime and his family. I can't even imagine the distraught. Apparently the victim was a 19 year old boy. This kid had his whole life in front of him and in the blink of an eye it was all taken away.

I can only hope that the criminal who committed this crime gets the maximum punishment allowed by law. He could have taken the money and left, there was no need to kill that boy, but he didn't. He murdered an innocent person who had done nothing wrong and why, for a few hundred dollars? Sickening.

A Walk in the Park

2009-05-11T06:47:00.011-05:00

Yesterday, the Hub and I decided to take the dogs to the park. Normally, we take them to the enormous Bark Park that is close to our house in Bear Creek. We knew that their favorite place in the world would not be an option as the severe flooding that halted our city two weeks ago had left the park under water.

The Bark Park is in a reservoir along with a golf course, football (aka soccer) pitches, hiking trails, baseball fields and a wild life exhibition. Brilliant use of the land when its not under 5-10 feet of water. So with this in mind. we decided to take the dogs to Terry Hershey Park on the other side of I-10. This park is a long park of winding trails that follows the curvature of Buffalo Bayou and stretches from State Hwy 6 to Beltway 8.

The Hub and I got our walking gear on, and the minute we grabbed the leashes Boomer and Busby were overcome with excitement. We packed a cooler full of water and some grapes and grabbed the dog seats for the car.

Okay, I know what your thinking...dog seats? Busby has a habit of puking in the car if he can move around so it keeps him in one place and the back seat vomit free. Boomer on the other hand won't stay in the back and before you know it he is in the front seat on your lap while your trying to drive. Then Busby starts whining because he can't get up front. So it is just easier to strap them both in and head off, not to mention that if we were in an accident the won't get killed.

Back to the park. We get the dogs out to the car, strap them in and off we go. The entire ride they are whining with excitement. They know that they are going to the park. When we pulled up at Terry Hershey Park, got the dogs out, they knew something was up. This was not there park, there were no other dogs.

We head down to the trail and start making our way. The track that we have chosen is about a 4 mile trek. It wasn't to hot and it didn't seem that far on paper. It was a gorgeous day and we were just plonking along. Boomer and Busby were sniffing everywhere, tails were wagging, and they were intrigued by the passing cyclists. They were having a fabulous time.

About 40 minutes into the walks, both dogs seemed to start to labor in their breathing. The sum was getting higher in the sky and the temperature was starting to rise. It was HOT. Busby really started struggling so I decided that I would pick him up and carry him for a while, give his little legs a rest. I suppose that I should mention that Busby is a year old Maltzukie (50% Maltese, 25% Shih Tzu, and 25% Yorkie) and Boomer is a 5 year old Shih Tzu. These are little dogs people.

The Hub and I decided that the next park bench we saw we would take a break and let the boys rest. So as we strolled along we came upon a bench and a map of the park. Now as I had mentioned previously, the Hub and I packed water, but we left it in the car. We needed a drink and so did the dogs. As we are surveying the map, we are about .25-.33 miles away from a drinking station and about 1.25 miles away from the car and water. So we make the executive decision to keep going to the drinking station and give the dogs a rest there.

Both Boomer and Busby were panting heavily, and to be quite honest I was getting quite tired myself. We keep on walking then all of a sudden Boomer stops. He won't budge. I try pulling on the lead and coaxing him encouragingly but he was having none of that. I had to pick him up. Busby was moving at a crawl. It was quite a sight. Now when Busby decided that he had enough, he would just lay down right where he was if you briefly paused.

We get to the drinking station, get the dogs loads of water and let them rest for about 20 minutes. At that point the Hub asked if I wanted to wait at this little park/drinking station/parking lot with the dogs and he would hike all the way back to the car and come pick us up. How fabulous is he? I turned him down, I wanted to finish the hike, even if that meant lugging a dog in each arm.

So we all started making our way back to the car. We stopped at every park bench that was in the shade and rested the dogs for about 5 minutes. Each of them required carrying at some point. Finally we could see the Highway and knew that we were nearing the end. We went under the highway and made our way up the ramp to cross the bridge over the bayou. There was a grassy knoll and that is where Busby decided he was done. He just laid down in the grass and put his head down.

The Hub carried him the rest of the way back to the car. The dogs downed a bottle of water and the Hub and I two each. The thermometer in the car said that it was 90 degrees out. We felt everyone of those degrees. The dogs laid in the back of the car and passed out before we left the parking lot. It was a quite ride home.

When we got home, the dogs went to the couch and went to sleep, and the Hub and I joined them. I think that now after looking back on our day at the park, maybe a four mile trek with the dogs wasn't the greatest idea, nor was early afternoon a great time to go. The Hub and I said definitely again, but perhaps a shorter trail and some water in tow, who knows maybe even a doggy pram!

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-10T06:51:00.003-05:00

To all the Mothers out there.

Today is your day. Put your feet up. You deserve a rest.

Your awesome.

Happy Mother's Day.

In the Cosmos

2009-05-08T10:49:00.005-05:00

Another Friday is upon us..Yay...and all I can think about is a fabulous chilled Cosmo after a long day of work. I think that around lunch, I'll nip out for some cranberry juice, a lemon, and some sweet & sour mix and have a one woman party in the kitchen tonight. I suppose that I will need some vodka too.

Before the days of happily ever after, Friday night was drinks night at the local bar with the girls and passing out at home after the 1am run to Chachos for Mexican food. Now that I think about it, so was Monday, Tuesday, Wed...well you get the point. I could knock them back with the best, and boy did was I hungover a lot.

These days, a drink is a very occasional thing, usually when we are at a party with some friends or going out. Drinking seems to be planned, where as in my younger days it was spontaneous all the time. It is funny that when we are planning a night out with our friends, we all plan ahead, there is usually a designated driver, a cab or the Hub's Dad will drop us all out and then we get a cab home. Aren't we responsible?

I suppose that I have grown up. I don't get hammered anymore (unless in the comfort of my living room with the Hub and a few bottles of champagne) and I certainly don't drink and drive. How things have changed.

So tonight, I am going to make me a Cosmo, grab the Hub a beer and settle in for a good movie. That's what I call a great Friday night.

A Little Tikka Anyone?

2009-05-07T08:14:00.009-05:00

Every week, a staple on our menu is a little Indian Curry. Last night was some Chicken Tikka Masala...Yummy!

If you know anything about good curry it can take a couple of days to prepare. Apparently my BIL makes this amazing curry (from scratch) and it takes him about two days to make it. I on the other hand can make a curry from scratch, but never have the time. Mostly because I am terrible with time management and my brain is always all over the place and rarely remembers to plan for it. Anyway, I cheat.

I nip out to the local Indian Grocers and pick up a jar of Pataks. They have lots of different flavors such as Jalfreezi, Korma, Rogan Josh, and Tikka Masala. How easy is it to cube and cook some chicken, then dump a jar of Pataks on top and presto, you have dinner. Don't forget the basmati rice.

Curry is a funny meal though, you either love it or hate it. If you have never tried it, go get a jar of Pataks and make it for yourself. If you like, get adventurous and find a local Indian restaurant (there is one in every city, we even found one in Launceston, Tasmania) and give it a go. A great introduction to the fabulous food, start out with a vegetable samosa, some poppadoms, and then have a chicken tikka or if you like it hot go for a rogan josh. Don't forget to ask for the Naan bread!

Inimitable - Chanel

2009-05-06T13:57:00.005-05:00

I, as most women are, on the quest for the perfect mascara. I think that I may have found it.

Over the years, I have tried everything from Maybelline to Dior to Cover Girl to Clinique, but none rival in comparison to Chanel's Inimitable Mascara.

There is something spectacular about the application wand in that there are never clumps on it. It is not a brush but seems to be some sort of fabulous rubbery material. Every time I pull the wand out of the tube and put it to my lashes, it applies a beautiful coat. My lashes are thick and full. It is obvious from the picture below which has been uplifted by this fabulous product.

Folks, that is only one coat! LOVE IT!!!

In a Pickle

2009-05-05T16:06:00.006-05:00

Have you ever seen something and thought to yourself, "hmm that looks so yummy, I'll have one". I am of course talking about food, and today I am talking about Pickles.

I was making myself a sandwich for lunch today, and when I was putting everything back in the fridge, sitting on the top shelf was a brand new jar of pickles. The jar was glistening in all its newness and seemed to have an aura about it. I thought to myself how wonderfully one of those yummy pickles would compliment my yummy sandwich just perfectly. I put the meat, cheese and condiments away and pulled out the jar of pickles. I pulled of the plastic seal around the top if the jar and proceeded to open the jar of pickles all the while thinking how yummy it was going to be.

Then it happened, I could not get the lid to turn. I tried again, still not budging. I grabbed the butter knife and tapped all the way around the top hoping to loosen (yes, this technique has been known to work) and still nothing. I tried tirelessly to get the lid of, but failed miserably. Defeated I put the pickles back in the fridge only to see a glimmer of hope.

There on the fridge door was another jar of pickles! Yes another jar, and this one had already been opened. I was going to have my pickle today. Ha! Excitement filled me as I took out the other jar and set it on the counter top. I reached my hand over the lid and turned it, only to realise the lid did not turn but rather my hand. I thought that I would try harder.

I twisted and strong armed the lid and it did not budge, not one millimeter, nothing. "DAMN YOU PICKLE GODS!" as I shake my fist to the ceiling.

I put the jar back in the fridge and took my sandwich to the table disappointed. You may have won today pickle jar, but it's not over...

Mum's The Word

2009-05-04T15:00:00.007-05:00

With Mother's Day fast approaching it makes me think of the volatile relationship that I have with my own Mother and I wonder what type of relationship that I will have with my own daughters (assuming of course that one day I will have a daughter or two). What type of Mother will I be?

Will I be a Mom, Mum, Mommy or Mummy? What will I dream for them? Will I be a good role model for them? Will I provide a healthy and happy home? Will I always put their needs ahead of my own? Will I nurture them, their aspirations and help them to be successful in their own life?

Their are so many questions and only time will tell the answers. I have been doing a lot of reflecting lately and have thought a lot about the relationship that my Mother and I have.

She was a good parent, not always the greatest, but what parent is? Have I faulted her for things that she didn't do for me or have I forgotten the things that she has? I would not say that I had an easy childhood, it was great until I was eight, but after that I can't say that I remember it too fondly.

My parents immigrated with myself and my three siblings when I was eight years old. We moved from our home and family in Ireland to follow the "American Dream". I can't say that when we first arrived here that it was a dream come through. We moved into a tiny run-down apartment in Dorchester, MA which was an absolute dump. We had hardly any furniture, no money but we had each other. My Mother had not worked while we were living in Ireland that I can remember, but when we moved to Boston, she had to get a job.

I can remember watching my siblings when my father was still not home from work and my mother had to leave for her job. They were 7, 3, & 18 months old. I think that I grew up very fast that first year in Boston. I missed my grandmothers and family terribly. I attended less than a year of school in Boston when my father decided that maybe it wasn't for us and decided to move to Houston.

When we moved to Houston it didn't get much better either. Both my parents worked, and I actually think that my Mother may have worked two jobs. We lived in an apartment for the first year and then a house. Both my parents continued to work, my Dad during the day and my Mother waitressing or bar tending in a bar at night.

I don't think that to this day my Mother has ever really gotten over leaving Ireland, especially when her Mother was still alive. She has continued bar tending to make a little extra cash and still does today. It was hard growing up and not having her around. She was never one to sit down and have a chat with when I was younger or profess her love for you. But over the years I must admit she did get better.

I hope that I take the good things from mine and my Mother's relationship and share those with my daughters and definitely learn from what I thought were mistakes. I hope to be compassionate and tell them how much I love them everyday. I hope that we are open with our relationship and don't let the spats tear us apart. I hope to inspire them.

So Mother, thank you for being my Mom and teaching me what I need to be a good mother. Thank you for making the tough decisions and making the sacrifices that you did for our family.

Gladrags & Handbags

2009-05-03T07:26:00.012-05:00

Yesterday, the Hub and I went to the mall to pick up a few things. We needed to get a couple of gifts and pick up his new prescription sunglasses. We started in, what I like to call Heaven, Macy's but couldn't really find anything suitable for the people that we were shopping for.

We left Heaven and headed into the main mall. We stopped at a few shops as we were making our way to Lens Crafters. While the Hub was getting his glasses, I nipped into NY&Co and found the items that we needed. The Hub found me in NY&Co and then we started to make our way back to Heaven.

As we were walking along, we passed by the Apple Store. My Hub all of a sudden got that glazed over look in his eyes. I know this look, it is the same one that I get passing Chanel or Coach. We kept on walking. When I could see Heaven insight, he stopped me and said, "Can we go back to Apple, I really want to get an iPhone?" So we turned around an made our way back to the Apple Store.

I really felt for him, I know what it is like to lust for something and not be able to have it. You see, he has wanted an iPhone FOR.EV.ER and a couple of weeks ago, we were so close to buying him one, but didn't. The Hub got a black 3g 16gb iPhone. He was like a child in a sweet shop, so pleased. He then could not wait to get out of the mall and into the car so he could start to play with it.

As we were making our way to the car park through Heaven, we passed by the coach counter where this caught my eye:

It is the new Madison Julianne purse from Coach. It is simply divine with it's soft Italian leather in a beautiful lavender. It was enough to give me palpitations and make temperature rise. The lovely lady at the Coach counter was so kind and took it out for me to touch and try on. The lady was very convincing in trying to sell the bag, it was 25% off with a coupon that she would give us and if we opened another Macy's account she would give us another 20%. The Hub was caving in, and was like, "Do you really want it?". I looked at the bags in his hands from our shopping already, we got the iPhone, and no matter how much I wanted this bag, I HAD to walk away.

As we left Macy's I started to get a sick feeling in my stomach, I was completely overwhelmed, I needed that bag. However, today wasn't about me, it was about the Hub's new iPhone. We walked to the car, got in and he started to play with his new toy. I was happy for him, to see the excitement in his eyes. The pain from leaving the bag behind began to subside. I was happy for him and am glad that he now knows how it feels to lust for something and the absolute joy from getting something that you have longed for.

The Universe Rocks

2009-05-01T11:48:00.005-05:00

I have previously posted about the notes from the Universe that I get daily from http://www.tut.com/ so I thought that I would share today's:

When your peeps ask you what you do all day, every day, Jennifer, you do tell them, "Whatever I want." Right?

Because you do.

Peeps beware,

The Universe

This is SO true...I love these notes!

Content Thief

2009-04-29T14:06:00.004-05:00

So last night, my Hub posted a blog on blogger. As usual, he let's me know that he has finished and I boot him off the computer so I can take a look.

So I am reading his blog and thinking, 'hmm, this is good'. It was an insight to his early morning commute in the lake called Houston. Then I stopped myself and thought, 'wait a minute, that title looks familiar?'. I continued reading on and got to the bottom of his blog and he was going on about the crap city planning and Houston being built on marshes, and building down, familiar. :::scratching head:::

I know where I have seen this before... my blog...that I wrote yesterday morning...and wait, that's my title! Thief!!!

If you don't believe me, please check my previous post and then check his here and tell me I'm crazy.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

2009-04-28T10:34:00.004-05:00

Last night was absolutely miserable. It all started with a 2am wake up call from a loud clap of thunder. By 3am I was fully awake with a headache setting in from the lightening flashes.

We have had torrential rain here in the Houston area, especially in the NW part of town (where I live). They news is saying that we had as much as 11" fall in two hours, tack that on to the 5" yesterday and poof, you have floods.

It is so crazy to turn on your local news and see what where streets turn into rivers and port-a-potties floating in them. Nuts.

The city comes to a screeching halt. We can handle 1-2" an hour, anything more than that is too much for the bayous, creeks, and tributaries to handle.

The engineering in this town never ceases to amaze me. If you know anything about Houston's past, you know that the city was built on wet-lands and marshes that had tons of waterways such as bayous and creeks running through them. You would also know that we sit at sea level. As we turn more grass and marsh into paved streets and dig out the natural drainage such as the bayous, creeks, and tributaries, we wonder why it floods. We created this problem.

The bayous that were once lush and fed into the gulf, have been dug out, cemented, and housing developments built around them. We continue to build bigger freeways to accommodate our growing city, but instead of building up, we dig down creating huge dips in the road where the water ponds. We may build up some of the freeways only to leave the feeders sinking down (look at I-10W @ B8W).

Are we our own demise?

Happy Friday

2009-04-24T07:39:00.005-05:00

Out of all the days of the week, Friday must be my most favourite. I love that on Friday's you know that you have two days off starting tomorrow. Unlike Monday, when you wake up dreading getting out of the bed, or Sunday when you know the weekend is over, Friday you always seem to wake up in a great mood ready for the break.

Friday...you ROCK!

Earth Day

2009-04-22T15:39:00.006-05:00

So apparently it's Earth Day today. All the networks will change the color of their logo's to green and adverts will be directing us to change our ways to be greener.

Earth Day when I was a kid was the class planting a tree or flowers outside the school and learning about how recycling helps the planet. Now it's green cars, green light bulbs, recycled elephant dung as paper.

We all can agree that we pollute the Earth with our CO2, big trucks and coal factories, but who's responsibility is it to clean up? The governments or ours on an individual level?

A couple of years ago the Hub and I took a trip Down Under for a couple of weeks. Whilst in Sydney, we were marveled at the coded trash receptacles in the parks, on public streets, and in front of peoples homes, that were for recycling and regular garbage. The toilets were even eco-friendly with a button for #1 and a button for #2.

Here in the US, you have to pay extra for recycling pick-up and that's even if they will come to your area. Now this may not be nation wide, but is certainly true here in Houston. We would recycle, if there was somewhere to take it. I try to recycle papers when we have them by taking them to our nearest school. I jump in my huge SUV and drive to the school, however I don't think by taking those papers I am reducing my carbon foot print.

We have been good, and are replacing our light bulbs with the greener ones, but only as they burn out. We have planted loads of plants, trees, and shrubs in our garden and surely that will help. I telecommute to work, and try to remember to turn of the lights throughout the house during the day. I also clean as sparingly as possible as to use less harmful cleaners. The same goes for laundry.

I must say, if we were buying a new toilet and the option to buy a #1 or #2 flusher came along and was reasonably priced it is something that I would totally consider. The same goes for recycling, if it was provided in my area, I would do it.

I guess that I think that it is a joint effort, but at the same time I don't want to be forced to purchase or do something that I may not have the means to do. So if the Harris County Trash folks decided to send the recycling buckets I would use them, but I am not getting rid of my SUV.

Anyway, do something good for the Earth today, plant a tree, telecommute, and do less cleaning!

Spring has Sprung

2009-04-21T10:26:00.007-05:00

It is an absolutely stunning day today here in SE Texas. Not a cloud in the sky and a beautiful breeze blowing through the trees, the smell of the sweet jasmine blooming and the bursts of color from the blooming flowers. It is one of those days where you open all the windows, pour yourself a cool glass of iced tea, and lounge on the patio with a good book.

It is truly starting to feel like Spring. With the first month of Spring almost behind us, another Spring thing pops into mind, Spring Cleaning. Somehow it always seems easier to give the house a good scrub when the windows are open, fresh air blowing through the house, the iPod blaring your favourite music in the background all while you get after it.

If you know me, then you know that cleaning is not my favourite thing to do. I would rather be out and about or hang with the Hub then scouring the toilets.

I think that however, today, I actually feel like giving the house a scrub. If it wasn't for that pesky job....

The Joys of Toll Roads

2009-04-20T11:05:00.005-05:00

The Hub and I live in a city where we have toll roads. I personally think that toll roads are brilliant. I am more than willing to pay to be able to get somewhere quicker. There is one major tollway and then a couple of minor tollways. The main tollway allows drivers to have a tag on their car that allows them to drive without stopping to pay tolls and the charges are billed to their credit card or bank account and also allows those with out the tag to drive and then pay at a toll plaza.

Being that the Hub and I both have the tags in our vehicles it makes getting around fabulously quicker. It is very funny that the tollways are always faster than the main lanes, especially the toll roads that only allow drivers with the tags.

The problem for me is the major toll road is by my house and we use it frequently. The entrance ramp that we have to use is right before the toll plaza and because of barriers, we cannot get to the tag lanes until we go through the plaza. The toll road authorities fix for those of us with tags was a tag lane between to cash/change lanes. Does this work? No.

Everytime that I get on the tollway, the line for the tag lane is backed up. Now why would this lane that is designated for tagged vehicles to drive right through without having to stop be backed up? I know, because of the idiots that got in the lane to skip ahead in the line at the cash toll or thought that our lane was moving faster only to find that is a tag lane. This is the most frustrating thing for me driving and leads to serious road rage (yes you without the tag I am blowing my horn at you...idiot).

Maybe this just means that I am impatient, but I can't understand how you miss the huge sign that says tags only. I only wish that the tollroads would all go tag only. I firmly believe that it would make my life easier, but I highly doubt that it would ever happen, afterall the tollway loops the entire city. One can dream right?

So for now, all of you idiots with out a tag...stop blocking my lane!!

Rant over.

U2 Tix...Hub Rocks!!!

2009-04-20T10:38:00.004-05:00

Woo...Hoooooo!!!!!

I have the greatest Husband EVER!!!

The Hub just scored two tickets for the U2 Concert in October. How awesome is he? Going to see my all time favorite band, with my all time favorite person!! :::Grinning ear to ear:::

Thoughts form the Universe

2009-04-17T08:54:00.003-05:00

Every day I get random messages from the Universe, and no, I am not crazy or weird and aliens aren't using my mind as a vessel to communicate with the earthlings.

A very god friend of mine, let's call her Jcakes, turned me on to this great website, tut.com. This website allows you to sign-up to receive these little notes from the universe, usually a positive feel good about yourself message.

I will admit that it is just a little strange that these little notes always seem to be relevant to what is going on in your life at the time.

Here's and example:
Give it thought, Mrs B. Consider every angle. And then speak your mind.You've not been drawn into anyone's life just to listen.
Loud and proud,
The Universe

You're not here to be quiet, Mrs B. Actually, you're one of my spokes-peeps.

I always love the little P.S. notes at the end of the e-mail. This little message was very relevant to me yesterday, it's timing could not have been more perfect.

I highly recommend this site and signing up for a daily bit to chew on. When you feel like the world may be out to get you, you will always have at the very least, the Universe cheering you on!

mmmm......cookies!

2009-04-15T08:40:00.006-05:00

Today I am baking yummy Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. Tomorrow they will make their journey to the Hubs office.

The Hub was approached a few weeks ago by a lady in his office to buy some cookies for a school fundraiser. Being the generous person that he is, he went ahead and bought some. He bought some for the office and some to take home.

So last Thursday, the lady brought the cookies in to him. The Hub however was quite suprised when thelady said that she would put them in the freezer for him.

What the Hub did not know was that he was purchasing cookie dough not actual baked cookies, so I am baking them so he can take them in.
Before:

After:

Happy Couple!!!!

2009-04-14T16:45:00.007-05:00

The Hub and I had an absolutely fab time at our friends wedding so I thought that I would share some pics.

K & S saying their vows K & S with their yummy cake!!!
Me & the Hub

War

2009-04-14T12:16:00.004-05:00

This post has been removed by the Author

Dress Shopping

2009-04-10T12:37:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow night, the Hub and I are going to a wedding. This will be the second wedding that I have been to in my entire adult life, mine being the first.

Last night, we went out and bought the Hub a brand new suit, which he looks smashing in!! So today we are going to get a new dress for me. I bought one the other day, which I love, it is black & whits, but I think that there is too much white on the dress, and after all I think that there is a rule about wearing white at other folks weddings...

So wish me luck as we hunt for just the right dress for this evening wedding.

Don't Tread On Me?

2009-04-08T15:12:00.006-05:00

Today is the magic day, our new treadmill will finally be set-up.

Well this is actually the second treadmill that will be set-up. You see, the first one that we ordered back in early February arrived with a smashed console and we have been waiting over a month for a replacement.

The Hub and I, after many long conversations had decided rather than dishing out close to $1000 a year to the gym membership, that we would be financial responsible and go ahead and just purchase some equipment for the house. We figured that when you include gas to and from the gym the investment would pay for itself.

We have come to the realization that at the beginning of each year, like everyone else, is really the only time that we use our gym memberships even though we pay for them all year long. I think that we only go in the start of the year out of guilt and "we are going to change our shite habits" which of course never really happens.

It seems that the big obstacles between us and the gym are:
a. Hub only wants to go to gym in the morning (too many folks at night)
b. I don't like getting out of the bed in the morning.

It just wasn't working for us. We thought that by having the treadmill here, we would use it more often especially since we wouldn't be fighting of the crowds at the Cardio Room.

So, you know how I said we got out new second treadmill, well the folks at NordicTrack don't want the first one with the broken console back. They told us to give it to charity, and damn..we are charity (you know with the economy and all). The beauty of it is that the treadmill will still work, you just can't read all of the cool stuff on the display, just some. So it seems we now have a 2 for 1 deal sitting out in the garage.

So today the guy (Kelvin) is coming out to install the new treadmill and then after 2 long months we will finally be able to reap the benefits of our own personal home gym. Now if you see me in a few months or so and I am looking a bit on the slimmer side you will know that going to gym didn't work for me(a. because I wouldn't go), but my own personal home gym did (no excuses now).

I think that the Hub and I will have our own version of Fat Club here at the house. Check back for updates!

Lady Lunch

2009-03-27T10:30:00.000-05:00

Today I am going to have lunch with the girls. Usually, we do birthday lunches for each of the ladies in our circle, but this Friday, one of my good friends K is here on holiday.

You see, at our lunches S and I are the youngest out of the group, the rest of the ladies are our MIL's and their friends, which have also become our friends.

K has been living in Norway for a little over a year now. It is really exciting to have her back here in the US. I know that we all have certainly missed having her around, I most certainly have.

So we are off to La Madeleine for a little French cuisine and some laughs.

The Man Flu...or something like it

2009-03-26T08:31:00.004-05:00

Why is it that men are the most stubborn about being ill? Okay, so maybe not all men, but most certainly my husband.

It is extremely frustrating to be married to a man that refuses to go to the doctor when he is sick and refuses just to stay home and get some rest.

The Hub has been feeling ill for the past three days now. It all started on Tuesday, when he had a pretty bad headache when he came home from work. Do you know how I know it was bad? I was working at the Rodeo and got finished a little early. I arrived home at two to find the Hub curled up in the bed groaning in agony.

Wednesday morning, "I don't feel so well, my stomach hurts", said the Hub. "Stay home and get some rest", said I. "I'll come home early if I still don't feel well", said the Hub. Later that day approximately 4:30pm, the Hub arrives home and crawls into bed groaning about the stomach pains. He left work 30 minutes early.

Thursday morning, "ugh, uuhhh" groaned Hub. "Hub, I think that you should stay home and get some rest today, maybe even go to the doctor since your still not well", said I. "No, I have to go to work", said Hub. "No, you don't! You need to get better", said I.

8am Hub leaves for work.

I am having a hard time understanding, what the hell at work that could be so damn important that you cannot take a sick day?

I understand that his job is important, but no job is worth your health. So what, he is going to go into the office and muster up the strength for a few hours, all the while in agony? It is absolutely ridiculous.

I tried invoking the all important "Wife Right"...you know where you the wife can make a decision for the good of the family. Well, he wasn't biting this morning. He won't try to get rest and feel better, he refuses to go to the doctor, so what do you do?

You let him make stupid decisions, and when he gets home whinging and moaning about how sick he his, you baby him like he has the "Man Flu" and tell him it's all going to be okay and answer to his beck and call. God knows you can't be insensitive at this time. After all, he is going through the worst pain know to man!!!

Ode to Footy

2009-03-21T08:38:00.005-05:00

It's another lovely Saturday morning here in Houston. Super foggy, but as soon as it burns out be prepared for a beautiful day. I had a lovely sleep in until 8am. The Hub is still resting his pretty little head, but I am expecting him to wake soon, as Manchester United should be on the telly shortly, and if not them some other team that he really must watch.

It is typical for football (you might call it soccer) to be on in our house every Saturday morning, except for the one month in the summer that there is a break as long as it is not a cup year.

Living here in America, I never did think that I would marry a man from "back home" and assumed that the only "football" that I would ever have to watch if I married an American would be American Football and that would only be for a few months out of the year.

Married to an English man now, who I love more than anything on this world, I have the joy of Football every week, more than once a week. I must say since the Hub and I met, the amount of footy that he watches has dropped dramatically. After many conversations with my MIL, I have it easy as before I was in the picture there was not a single game that the Hub did not watch,

I truly believe that it is almost a tradition in his family. His father and his brother are huge fans also. Sometimes the Hub watches the games with his Dad and when he was living in England, he and his brother had season tickets and enjoyed every home United game in person.

Since moving here he has given up his season ticket at Old Trafford, and from what I have now come to understand that was a huge deal for him. Apparently the seats are not easy to come by.

When the Hub and I were still dating, every Saturday (sometimes Sunday) we would go to his parents house to watch the match. As Hub and his Dad would watch the game, screaming at the telly over breakfast, his Mum and I would have little chats. She once told me that when the Hub was little you could not ever get him out of his football kit, and that his Dad would take he and his brother to Old Trafford to see United play in person.

I think that the Hub and his father have this unbelievable bond that footy has brought into their life. No matter how bad it is, if the economy has tanked, the world is up in arms or someone is even having a bad day, sitting down together to watch the match is their time. Everything else goes away and for 90 minutes everything in the world is right.

I can only hope that one day, when the Hub and I have some little ones of our own, that they will build a bond with their father over his first love (I'm okay with it) Football. That for those 90 minutes they can enjoy something together and have to share and celebrate for all of their lives.

So it's 2 minutes to kick-off. Thanks United!

AIG Bonus Scandal and the Loss of Sane Legislation....Mob Rules

2009-03-20T07:43:00.006-05:00

I am sure you have all been hearing about the outrage over the AIG bonuses, you know the retention bonuses that were awarded in the AIGFP Group? Well what a stink. If you have heard about that, then I am sure that you have also heard that the House has passed a bill that would retroactively tax these people 90% on the bonuses that they received. This is mob rule...Are you kidding me?

Folks, stop and think about what is happening.

These people signed a legally binding contract with AIG in early 2007, that stated if they stayed with AIG and they completed the tasks that were assigned to them that they would receive bonuses for a specified amount. That's right...Legally Binding Contracts.

Yesterday, the House voted to levy a 90% tax against those who received these bonuses. You can read about it here. You must remember that these were retention bonuses and not performance bonuses.

Now if you are a fair-minded person, you would understand that a contract was legally binding and that the particular contracts that are in question were in place before long before AIG received any tarp or treasury funds.

Now think about this, if the government decides that it can raise tax to any level they want such as 90% and enforce the tax retroactive, does this not make you wonder where will this end. This is a frightening law. This will open the door for the liberals to raise taxes on all hardworking folks that they see fit. It is no secret that when Obama was in the Illinois senate that he was in favor of raising taxes on folks that earned more than 40k per year, as that was considered wealthy. If 40k is wealthy then allot more of us will be paying higher taxes and I will guarantee that it is more than the 5% that he keeps going on about.

Just as much as the next person I don't like the fact that those that helped destroyed AIGFP are getting these bonuses, but I do believe in the idea of a legally binding contract. If you negate on the terms of the contract or you penalise those who were paid because of a contract that they have then I think that you will lose all trust in the system, and then...what is the point, it will be meaningless.

Damn Liberal Censorship

2009-03-18T10:43:00.005-05:00

I was checking the news, like I do everyday, on the only site that I feel is fair and balanced: Fox News. I went to the homepage and on the front this is what I see:

Pelosi Says Enforcing Immigration Law Is...UN-AMERICAN
EXCLUSIVE: House speaker recently told a group of immigrants and their families — many of them illegals — at a California church that they are 'very, very patriotic.'

Ooh...I must read more Fox News, you have my interest! I can't believe this she is condoning illegal immigration (WTF?). I hover my mouse over the link and click. Excitement running through my veins...I can't wait to read this or the comments that are sure to follow. The page flickers up on the screen and suddenly...BAM...I am redirected to Gateway Search....WTF...Where is the story...I must read it. I try again...Fail, again, fail.

Okay, I'm in a slight panic...I'll try another media source...CNN..No story or reference to the Speakers remarks at this church. MSN...No, nothing. NBC...still nothing. Okay one more shot at Fox News, my unbiased, fair & balanced reporting fix...STILL NOT WORKING!!!!!

Damn you liberals and your censorship...Be afraid...very afraid...Goodbye free speech.

Top o' the Morning

2009-03-17T12:01:00.004-05:00

Woo...it's Saint Patrick's, St. Paddy's, St. Patty's, St. Pat's Day or whatever else you want to call it. It is the one day a year where the whole world is Irish...great. For those of us who are actually Irish it is a bit frustrating that everyone is Irish too, especially in a country where we were once loathed, enslaved, and treated like the scum growing on the scum in a scum pond.

Yes, those "Irish" folks, the ones that weren't born in Ireland...YOUR NOT IRISH!!! Just because your great, great, great, great grandad was, it doesn't mean you are. This is something that has always bothered me, especially since I actually am Irish, with a birth certificate to prove it.

If you go back 150 years ago in the US the Irish were the most hated immigrants that there were.

What caused the cultural shift that the Irish go from the most hated in the US to the most revered and everyone claiming to have a bit in them. Even Barack Obama claims to be a bit Irish. I just don't get it? How do you make that leap from pure hatred to turning beer green, running around with lucky clovers, revering all things Irish? It is quite shocking.

I suppose it gives hope to all other cultures, if you give a few more years eventually you too will have a day where everyone claims to be your culture/race; dresses up to celebrate you and even turn alcohol a colour to match you. I can see it now...St (some Black person) day...to celebrate all things black! Oh wait that's the month of February.

Brrr...

2009-03-14T20:11:00.004-05:00

It is absolutely freezing....okay, maybe not freezing, but what the hell happened to the weather. You have gotta love southeast Texas for the fabulous weather patterns. ( Not Really!)

Last week the weather here was absolutely glorious. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the the only contrast on the big beautiful blue sky were the enormous puffy white clouds. We lavishly enjoyed the beautiful 85-90 degree days and were all to sure that Spring had arrived in all its glory.

Fast Forward to today.....Day three of the most depressing weather imaginable. It is a stark contrast at 40-45 degrees and pissing it down rain. It is damn right crappy. Luckily for us we get to enjoy this weather for the next 2-3 days! Whoo Hoo, doing the not-so-happy dance over here.

Spring, please come back.

Daylight Savings

2009-03-09T08:19:00.002-05:00

Why is it when you finally are on a schedule...some one goes and changes the time on you?

Ugghh..Daylight Savings!