Christmas is Over?!


After months of preparation it's hard to believe that Christmas is over. I had a great time with family and friends and am looking forward to the New Year. Donny got me something I've wanted for a very long time...a charm bracelet from James Avery. I've been asking for one for several years now. I finally sent him a link to the James Avery website hoping he'd get the hint.I thought it would be nice for him to choose charms that were special to the both of us. Plus...I told him that he now has an 'out' for every other anniversary, Christmas, etc.! I think he did a great job!

My dad and stepmom came in from Georgia for the holidays. My stepmom makes her own sugar scrub for the shower and gave each of us a bottle. It is awesome! I was able to spend most of Christmas Eve and the 26th with my dad, whom I don't get to see much during the year. He and Donny like to talk basketball and did so for most of lunch yesterday.

Today, mom and I are meeting for lunch so that we can exchange presents. I can't wait to give her her presents. I love giving people presents and have always wished that I was rich so that I could walk around and give people money during the holidays. Wouldn't that be awesome?!

Merry Christmas!!

Birthday and Anniversary...

Donny and I celebrated our 3rd dating anniversary on the 4th of December. I knew beforehand that I was going to be in Milwaukee, so we had a romantic date at the basketball tournament the weekend before I left. We really didn't think this through when we started dating in the middle of basketball season. Those of you who are children of coaches, are related to coaches, or are coaches yourself, know that everything gets put on the back burner during the season. Don't get me wrong; I'm not complaining. I know the routine, but I'm thinking we should put more emphasis on our 1/2 year anniversaries in June. It's hard having my birthday in November, our anniversary, his birthday, and Christmas all in December.

_________________

Speaking of birthdays, Donny's 31st was on Sunday. We went out on Saturday night with 3 of our friends and had a blast. Here is a picture in front of the fireplace at the restaurant/bar where we ended up.

I'm back!

Well, I managed to make it back from Milwaukee. The flight back was much less exciting than the flight there, thank goodness! I took a lot of pictures, but forgot my digital so I had to buy a disposable camera. Once I use up the roll I'll post more. We formed a study group of 10 people including myself. From left to right you'll find on the first row: Kristine, Heather, Lindsey, Valerie, Joanna, and Jasmine. On the second row is: Me, Christine, Alanna, and Candace. We all had a blast. On this particular night, we chose to walk about 4 blocks to a pub to have dinner. 15 degrees + walking + snow is an adventure to say the least.

I also wanted to include an awesome (yet random) picture of a pinata that my friend's mom made. She is incredibly talented! In case you can't tell, or you're not from the country, it's a John Deere tractor.

Finally, I'll leave you with a picture personifying how I felt on Friday - tired, worn out, and disgusted with people's actions during the Christmas season (at Macy's that is).

Merry Christmas!!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

I arrived in Milwaukee today to find 4 inches of snow on the ground. Snow is also in the forecast for the rest of the week! It looks like a winter wonderland!

I decided to fly American Airlines (actually American Eagle) this time because Midwest was leaving too early in the morning. I'm pretty sure that that will be the last time I make that decision. I did without the comfy leather seats and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies for a tiny plane with a door that didn't work properly. That's right...we got on the plane only to find out they were unable to close the door. After having maintenance come out and unsuccessfully 'fix' the door, they had us deplane. We were told we were taking a new plane, only to find out 30 minutes later that they had fixed the old one. I was a little leery of getting back on the same plane, but thankfully the door closed and we made it safely here. While we were waiting to board again we heard an announcement that the plane going to Killeen didn't have a working lavatory. WHAT? I know the flight was probably the shortest flight known to man, but still...who flies a plane with a lavatory that isn't working? American Eagle apparently.

My mom is feeling much better and nothing appears to be seriously wrong. They think she has a hiatal hernia which can be regulated with medication. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!!

Update

I'm not sure that I ever updated about my mom's surgery. The doctor was able to remove all of the cancer and as far as we know, it hasn't spread elsewhere. Though that is AMAZING news, I am requesting more prayers for her. Last week she started having some chest pain. When it persisted for 5 days, she decided it was time to go to the doctor. He told her she had esophagitis, which is an inflammation of the esophagus but can also be an indication of heart disease. With medicine, the pain has subsided, but yesterday she had her first migraine. After taking medicine for the migraine, the pain was still there this morning. Her primary care doctor told her to go to the ER to have a complete diagnostic done today. Hopefully we'll have some answers soon. This is all pretty scary, since heart disease runs in our family.

My sister also found out today that she fractured her foot a couple of weeks ago. She stubbed her foot on her iron bed in the middle of the night. She finally decided to go see a doctor and has to wear a boot for 3 to 6 weeks.

Never a dull moment around here...Wait! Didn't I just post about not having anything to post about? Maybe I should take that back.

He still is, The Bachelor

Did anyone else watch The Bachelor last night? I was shocked that Brad didn't choose Jenni OR DeAnna. On the other hand, I respect him for not getting too caught up in the frenzy and proposing just to propose. Unless I'm mistaken, he never told either girl that he loved her, just that she had qualities in a wife that he was looking for. What are your theories as to why he didn't propose?


On another note, see Elizabeth Sullivan's blog. Elizabeth is the daughter of one of my coworkers and also happened to grow up with Jennifer. Read her story about meeting Brad in Austin. Crazy!

100th Post

After almost two years of blogging, I am finally at my 100th post. I must admit, sometimes I feel like my life is pretty uneventful. I'm not saying that in a 'poor me' sense, but it seems as if most people I know are either married, having children, or trying to have children. Obviously, for people who are experiencing or have experienced any of those things, there is a lot to talk about. My life consists of going to work at Northwestern, going to work at Macy's, seeing Donny approximately every other weekend, and then starting the cycle all over again. As a result, I don't feel as if I have a lot to share. I know the time will come when I'll experience those things. Until then...you will have to be content in reading everything from me getting braces, to the craziness of the Christmas season at Macy's, to who knows what.

Here they are...

Sorry for the extreme close-up, but I wasn't able to take a decent self-portrait. I finally got my braces put on on Monday. I will go back in January/February to add the bottom ones. Luckily I was warned by everyone that my mouth would hurt for days, so I have religiously been alternating Tylenol and Advil every 2 hours. I also ate soup on Monday night and for breakfast and lunch on Tuesday. The one thing I wasn't warned of, is that I have to relearn how to chew my food politely. I find myself smacking or eating with my mouth open because I can't get it quite right. It's humorous and gross at the same time! I feel like a little kid who has to be reminded to close my mouth and not to smack.

I surprised Donny and showed up for his first basketball game of the season last night. They won by 40 or so. It looks like this is going to be a great season for them!

Other than that, things are pretty steady around here - work, (work at Macy's or go to Donny's basketball games), sleep.

Have a great week!!

I Fixed It!!

I finally figured out why my formatting bar disappeared. I won't bore you with the details, but if you ever have the same problem I can help you fix it.

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Tuesday was my 26th birthday and possibly one of the best ones yet. I was surrounded by many friends and family and ate more than I've eaten in months. Here are a few pictures of the festivities.

Brette, Mom, Me

Brette and Jared

Brette and Me

Mario, Mom, Mema, Me, Donny, Aunt Marie

Friends from work: Shannon, Tina, Me, Diana, Sarah, Natalie

Flowers from two of my coworkers.

Card from one of my coworkers. The inside says "Happy Birthday, you young whippersnapper."

Okay...I wanted to post pictures from my birthday weekend, but somehow my formatting bar is missing. Can anyone tell me how to add the font options back onto blogger? Until then, it's driving me crazy that I can't make my title larger than the text in my post.

Help!

I received an iPod for my birthday and can't think of a lot of songs (other than what are on my CDs) to add to it. I would love to hear everyone's input on the song or songs that make them want to dance, smile, etc.

Make a slide show, scrapbook or ecard

Make a slide show, scrapbook or ecard

More on The Golden Compass

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,305487,00.html

Please Read -

The following post from a fellow ACU grad...

You may already know about the kids movie coming out in December starring Nicole Kidman. It's called The Golden Compass, and while it will be a watered down version, it is based on a series of children's books about killing God (It is the anti-Narnia). Please follow this link and then pass it on. The hope is to get a lot of kids to see the movie - which won't seem too bad - and then get the parents to buy the books for their kids for Christmas. The quotes from the author sum it all up. I hope it totally bombs because we were all paying attention!
http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

For Those of You with Babies and Bumbos...

Please read this article. Over 1 Million Bumbos are being recalled.

Fun Weekend!

Kenny, Jennifer, Kennan, and the newest member of the family, Brayden, are in town this week. They had a "Meet Brayden" party on Saturday afternoon. I love getting to spend time with them and can't wait until they move back to Texas next year! I stole some pictures off of Jennifer's blog. Forgive me for wearing the same shirt that I wore to the horse races.

Kennan, "Frankie," Me

Ashley, Jennifer, Me - Camp Friends

Fun at the Horse Races

If It's Not One Thing, It's Another

On Saturday, I got up at 7:30 and went to Target to buy cleaning supplies. I deep cleaned my bathroom and bedroom so that when Donny got here on Saturday afternoon it was sparkling. After I cleaned I went to get my new haircut touched up. My girl had been out sick all week so I tried someone new on Thursday. Bad idea! She didn't butcher it, but she didn't cut it correctly either. Normally I would have just let it go, but I decided that I should ask to have it corrected. The manager ended up fixing my hair. She shampooed, cut, and styled it, FOR FREE! Maybe I'm just too nice, but I figured I'd at least have to pay something. She wouldn't even let me give her a tip. I then went to Macy's to buy a shirt to wear to the Horse Races on Saturday night. My boss treated our whole agency to a night at the races. Donny and I had never been. Free food, free drinks, good friends, and $130 richer when we left, we had a blast.

When Donny and Zoe (his dog) got here on Saturday, we decided we would sit on the porch for a while since it was such a beautiful day. All of the sudden I heard Donny screaming and felt the floor shake because he was jumping around. When I figured out what he was saying "I've just been stung," I realized that a hornet stung him not only once, but twice on the neck. The first time it stung him he swatted at it. Apparently it then fell into his shirt and stung him again. Let me just tell you, he was NOT a happy camper. We went to the store and got baking soda and tweezers so that we could pull the stingers out. Poor guy! Today I attacked the nest with Raid and killed all of those suckers. They had built a nest on the door jam.

We had also planned on watching the Cowboys game at work today on the big screen. Little did I know, we have satellite at work, but none of the local channels. Needless to say, we were a little, okay a lot, disappointed. We came back to my apartment and watched it on my 13 inch T.V. All in all, it worked out and we had a great weekend. There were just a few kinks in our plans.

Have a great week!!

P.S. Thank you for all of our prayers and well wishes for my mom. I will keep you posted on her progress.

Happy 1st Birthday Tatum!

Donny and I went to Austin yesterday for his niece's 1st birthday. We had a blast! Here are a few pictures from our trip.

Bring on the Cake!

These decorations sure look tasty!

Yum! Cake!

Is there something on my face?

Uncle Dee Dee and Tatum

Recruiting

In the last month I have attended 8 career fairs, ranging from Wichita Falls, to Denton, to Nacogdoches. I have also conducted over 100 interviews and been a part of several round table discussions on campus. I love my job!! That being said, as of Wednesday, I am the only recruiter. The thing is, I'm okay with that. I work well under pressure. I also like to do things myself and know they get done right, rather than relying on someone else. I'm not sure what the next month will bring, but I know that I will be taken care of.

On another note, my mom found out she has basal cell carcinoma. Luckily this is the most common form of cancer and is usually fairly easy to treat. They are going to perform surgery in a couple of weeks to remove the tumor. Please pray that the tumor has not affected her bones or cartilage.

I'll leave you with a picture of a van I saw in Henderson, Texas. Would you buy fish from this man?

Definitely Worth Purchasing!

Hymned No. 1 By Bart Millard - Lead Singer of MercyMe

Jars of Clay Redemption Songs

I recently purchased both of these CDs because I will be traveling quite a bit over the next couple of months. I currently don't own an IPOD, MP3, or other musical device, so I still resort to listening to music in my car CD player. Let's just say I sang my heart out all the way to and from Wichita Falls this week. If you happen to purchase one (or both) of these, let me know what you think!

Do You Remember When...


I said these shoes were the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned? Well...I lied! They are not comfortable at Career Fairs, at work at Macy's, or anywhere else for more than a few hours at a time. I think my first mistake was wearing them at Macy's for 6 hours the first day that I worked. As a result, I felt like the balls of my feet became bruised. That was 5 weeks ago. Since then, no matter what type of shoe that I wear, my feet KILL me. I bought some Skechers to wear to Macy's with slacks, but would love to find a comfortable heel for career fairs.

I guess I should explain why even though I have a great job, I still feel the need to work at Macy's. I recently came across Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover Plan and have implemented the Debt Snowball. If you've read his books, you know that he stresses getting a second job until your debt is eliminated. So...that's what I did. I've been able to pay off 2 small credit cards I've had since college, a medical bill, and an old cell phone bill, all within the last 3 months. I don't necessarily agree with everything he says, especially about Cash Value Life Insurance, but I do know that the Debt Snowball works. I also get a discount on suits, shoes, and anything else I might need. What a deal! The only drawback thus far (and it's a big one) is that I haven't seen Donny since I started working.

By the way, if you're looking for part-time or seasonal work in the Fort Worth area, we're starting to hire. Make sure you tell them I referred you if you do apply!

Why Not?

I figured since everyone else was doing it...

100 Things About Me

1. I was born in Cleburne, Texas.
2. The hospital I was born in was closed due to asbestos.
3. They are now leasing the rooms as lofts.
4. I think that's kind of creepy.
5. By the time I was in 4th grade, I had been in 4 different schools.
6. By the end of 1st grade I had completed all of the 1st and 2nd grade curriculum.
7. My mom was asked if I should skip second grade.
8. She decided it would not be beneficial for me.
9. I graduated a year early from high school anyway.
10. My dad is and always has been a coach.
11. My mom is and always has been a teacher.
12. I never wanted to be a teacher until I was in college.
13. I taught for two years.
14. I don't teach anymore.
15. I was a coach.
16. I was a much better athlete than coach.
17. I was the batgirl for my dad's baseball teams.
18. I was one of the librarian's aides in third grade.
19. At a slumber party at her house she told us why it was not safe to assume things.
20. If you don't know what that means, e-mail me.
21. I am very competitive and hate losing.
22. I was the fastest runner in K-3rd grade.
23. I am slow as molasses now.
24. I hate to run unless I'm playing basketball.
25. I went to Debate Camp at Baylor the summer before high school.
26. I hated camp, but still debated my freshman and sophomore years.
27. I qualified for state both years.
28. I only went to state one year.
29. I chose to go skiing instead of going the other year.
30. I played the flute and french horn in junior high.
31. I have no idea how to play them now.
32. I took piano lessons for 4 years.
33. I got the chicken pox when I was 12.
34. They caused me to go into the hospital.
35. I have lines on my legs, on the bottoms of my forearms, and on my stomach.
36. I don't get goosebumps, grow hair, or have as much pigment on the lines.
37. I have scars from basketball, softball, and golf.
38. I tore my ACL, MCL, PCL, all of the cartilage, and chipped bone in my knee.
39. All of those happened at one time, during one basketball game.
40. My knee will never be the same.
41. I've had two surgeries on it.
42. I've also had two sinus surgeries.
43. I sound like I'm falling apart.
44. Sometimes I feel like I am.
45. My biggest pet peeve is being late.
46. Donny is usually late.
47. That causes some problems.
48. I hate letting people down.
49. I have three birthmarks.
50. One of them covers most of my left cheek.
51. I never went to any high school parties for fear of getting caught and because of #49.
52. At one time, my mom, cousin, and aunt all taught in the same school.
53. My cousin was my coach.
54. My parents got divorced when I was 13.
55. I think it was the right decision.
56. I didn't when I was 13.
57. I have a brother who is a Singer/Songwriter in Nashville.
58. He's written with many famous people.
59. My sister is 19.
60. We are complete opposites.
61. She lived with me last year.
62. It was an interesting year.
63. I hate shopping.
64. It gives me a headache and makes me tired.
65. I got LASIK in April of this year.
66. I love going out to eat.
67. I'm limiting the number of times I go out to eat so that I can pay off some debt.
68. I don't like cake or many things that are sweet.
69. My biggest debt is from ACU.
70. I'm not Church of Christ.
71. If I had a dime for every time I've been asked that since I went to ACU I'd be rich.
72. I was raised Presbyterian.
73. I don't care what kind of church I go to as long as I feel like I get something from the service.
74. I have to wear perfume everyday.
75. My house and office always have to smell good.
76. My step dad was the mayor of Grandview while I was in high school and college.
77. My uncle was the mayor of Grandview while I was in elementary and junior high.
78. I love to read.
79. I read everything I see.
80. I read some words backwards.
81. Especially those on billboards between here and Abilene.
82. Isotop (Potosi)...Noslit (Tilson) homes.
83. I was in Sing Song for three of my four years at ACU.
84. I was in Alpha kai.
85. I went to ACU because of the guy I was dating in high school.
86. We broke up two weeks before school started our freshman year.
87. We dated a little after that, but not for long.
88. I met my roommate at Freshman Orientation.
89. We lived together for 3 years.
90. All of my friends and roommates from college are married.
91. Some of them have children.
92. Donny asked me to lunch the first day of in service, the first year I taught.
93. I told him no.
94. It took me three months to realize I should date him.
95. Before that I told everyone I would never date him.
96. I don't have a good reason why I said that.
97. My grandma said that about my grandpa.
98. They had been married over 5o years when he passed away.
99. Donny's five years older than me.
100. December will be our 3rd (dating) anniversary.

Tatum

Here is a picture of Donny's niece Tatum, right after she was born.

Here is a recent picture of Tatum. Is she not the cutest? The face she's making cracks me up!

Happy Birthday Mom!

August 31st, 1952, my mom was born. This particular birthday was monumental because she now gets the Senior Citizen's Discount (don't worry...we've been joking about this all weekend). I surprised her at school with the shoes that you see below. She's a fourth grade teacher and their mascot is the zebra. I knew she (as well as the kids) would love them!

Here are a few memories that I have with my mom:

• Going shopping on Saturdays when I was younger. We would look for the best deals that we could find. I'm pretty sure that's why everything I buy is on sale.
• Going to get allergy shots each week in Fort Worth. We would buy one bag of chips and see how long we could make it last. My mom would make it into a game to see how many bites we could get out of one chip.
• Going to her classroom each year to help her prepare for the new students.
• Getting grounded from my bike and brand new Nintendo because I rode said bike across a major highway in 1st grade.
• Helping me write a speech in Kindergarten for the Elementary Presidential Race.
• Attending all of my athletic events from 2nd grade - high school.
• Driving me to and from practices without complaint.
• Talking to her at least once a day for as long as I can remember.
• Going to the Nutcracker each Christmas in High School.
• Laughing so hard that we cry at times.

Happy Belated Birthday Mom!! I love you!

Happy Birthday Dad!

On this day in 1954, my dad, who according to my grandma was the "easiest to have but hardest to raise," was born. My dad's a coach who's known for his corny jokes and dancing on the 50 yard line after a victory. His most recent joke (thanks to Donny) is: What did the thermometer say to the graduated cylinder? - You may be graduated, but I have more degrees.

As you can see in my previous post, I just returned from a trip to visit my dad. The last time I spent a week with him was immediately following my graduation from ACU. We drove with my stepmom from Abilene to Nashville. As a matter of fact, as we were driving through Hope, Arkansas (home of Bill Clinton), we heard that Saddam Hussein had been captured.

Here are just a few of the memories I have of my dad:

• Going to all of his baseball, football, and basketball games growing up
• Being the 'batgirl' for his baseball games
• Waiting at the field house after football games and listening to the radio to hear the highlights of his game
• Getting reprimanded for hurting a little boy (if you know what I mean) for not letting me off of the slide in Kindergarten
• Being told that the only time you hurt a boy like that is if they are trying to rob or hurt you
• Going to the Texas Rangers Game and walking behind President Bush when he owned the Rangers
• Anticipating him coming home from practice with candy for Brette and me
• Teaching me how to properly dribble and shoot a basketball
• Teaching me how to hit and catch a baseball and softball
• Being the guinea pig for any new jokes he received
• Being told to jump in the back of the truck on my birthday only to find a brand-new bicycle there

Now that I look at the list...almost everything has to do with sports. I guess that's what happens when your dad is a coach. I loved every minute of it! I guess that's why I'm dating a coach. They do say you marry people like your dad....

Atlanta Part 1

Tonight is my last night in Georgia. I've been here since last Tuesday with my Grandma. My grandma, Kim's parents, and I toured the city while my dad and step mom have been at school. My dad is a teacher/coach. His kids have been in school for almost 3 weeks now and they still get out on the 25th of May. Yuck! My step mom is a bookkeeper for a middle school a few miles down the road.

Their house was built in 1890 but was just remodeled a couple of years ago. It's beautiful! I'll include some pictures on my next post. They have lake access and live only 1/2 a mile away from a beach on the lake.

Here are some pictures from Sunday. My dad and I went to the Georgia Aquarium, to The Varsity, and then to the Braves game. We had a blast!! It's been years (probably 10 or 11) since my dad and I have been to a baseball game.

The largest tank in the Aquarium that houses 4 whale sharks. The tank is as long as a football field and the aquarium is the only one outside of Asia to have whale sharks.

Greasy (but excellent) onion rings and Georgia Sweet Tea at the Varsity

The tower that held the Olympic Flame during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta

Dad in front of Turner Field and the picture of Hank Aaron's record-breaking home run ball

Me in front of the Hank Aaron statue

Dad and I behind home plate at Turner Field - The Braves won 6-2 thanks to Texeira's two, two-run homers.

Days 3 and 4 of Annual Meeting (in small pictures) and Atlanta!!

The Blue Man Group opened our first general session.

General Colin Powell - He was hilarious and Personable!

Dan Rather - He was also hilarious and he's a Texan!!

Jerry Seinfeld - Need I say more?

Sheryl Crow - "The first cut is the deepest."

I'm leaving for Atlanta to visit my dad and stepmom in a couple of hours. My grandma is here from Kansas and we're going to fly out together - more pictures to follow!

Behind

I promised that I would post days 3, possibly 4, yesterday. That obviously didn't happen. Tonight I will post a complete update. Until then...Kenny, this is for you.

Hippos at the Milwaukee Zoo

Annual Meeting Day 1 & 2

Our Home Office - Notice the banners between the columns

The Riverwalk in Downtown Milwaukee

Last week I had the privilege of attending NMFN's 150th Anniversary Celebration. We left on the 22nd for Milwaukee on Midwest Airlines. If you've never flown on Midwest, I highly recommend it. They give you pretzels, drinks of course, and best of all fresh chocolate chip cookies. We arrived in Milwaukee at 6:30 and proceeded to walk 2 1/2 miles to a bowling alley, where everyone else already was. The walk took us past our Home Office and Lake Michigan. It was a beautiful day outside - the sun was setting and it was only 70 degrees. We bowled for a couple of hours then called it a night. On Sunday morning I ran in my first 5K. It was an AMAZING sight. 7,500 people ran/walked the course, which also took us around Lake Michigan. I finished in 40 minutes because I walked and ran. I'm not pleased with my time, but at least it gives me a goal to beat in the next race. While we were running, there was a plane flying around with a banner that said "Northwestern Mutual 150 Years." Crazy!

We had our first leadership session that afternoon, followed by a trip to the Milwaukee Zoo. NMFN rents the zoo each year and throws a HUGE party. There were 6 circus tents full of food, arcade games, and bands. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile was also in attendance and people could try out to be in a commercial. All the while, the plane and banner from earlier in the day flew over the zoo.

Cassie, Me, and Stephanie on the Shuttle to the Zoo

Alex and Alex (two of the interns) in front of the rotisserie chickens

Wienermobile!

Believe it or not, Milwaukee is an awesome vacation destination. There's a Riverwalk (see picture at the top of the post) that runs through town, similar to San Antonio. The architecture is absolutely amazing. Milwaukee is the hometown of William Harley and the Davidson brothers (a.k.a. Harley-Davidson), Miller beer, and the Milwaukee Brewers. If you can't tell...I had a blast.

The drawbridge in downtown. I've never seen one that works like this.

Up next...Day 3 (maybe 4)