Tokens of My Affection

Paw Paw

2011-12-27T19:58:00.001-08:00

On Saturday December 24, 2011 the world lost another great man. My paw paw passed away. I was asked by my in-laws to describe my paw paw and tell some stories about him. There are many things that can be said about him and the man he was. Here are the things that I know.

1. He was a hero. He was devoted to our country. He never talked too much about the army, but he served in a loyal and devoted way.

2. He loved my grandma, maybe more than any two people have ever loved. He taught me more about relationships and love than he will ever know. He showed all of his grandchildren how a man should love a woman, and my grandma in turn showed us how a woman should treat the man she loves.

3. He was a good man who did the right thing. Something that is not often found these days.

4. He loved ice milk. The picture is of him feeding me ice milk. He ate it almost every night.

5. He loved Hee Haw. That came with his love for country music. Snooping through his records is how I heard Patsy Cline for the first time.

6. He loved his grandchildren. My Paw Paw couldn't make it through church or even the store without telling someone that I was his grand-daughter and how pretty he thought I was and how smart he thought I was. He was always very proud of everything we did.

7. He had the best lap in the world and we never got too big to sit on it.

8. He was the best tickler ever. There is nothing in the world like being tickled by your grandpa.

9. He did the dishes. I don't know if he did them every night, but when we were there he always did the dishes. And I always wanted to help him. I still can't do dishes without thinking of him.

10. At the end of every meal he would say "turn the covers back Sara" even though no one in our family was named Sara

11. He talked to everyone. It didn't matter who it was, paw paw talked to them. He had a way of making people feel special.

12. He was always like an hour early to church. He rarely went to bible class that I can remember, but no one made it through the doors without him greeting them.

13. He loved to laugh, he was always teasing us or joking with us and every picture I've ever seen of him he always has a huge smile on his face (mouth open of course)

14. He loved peppermints, and candy and chips. And he LOVED my grandma's cooking.

15. He was spoiled to the bone. My grandma made him a hot meal every night, even when he was working at the post office, we would take it to him so it would still be hot... he would let us hold the baby chickens.. it was an even trade.

16. He lived a full life loved by Grandma, my Dad, my Mom, my Aunt Monica and Uncle John, my cousins Matthew and Deanna, my sister Erin and her kids, my brother Dwight and his kids and of course me and thousands of other people.

He was an amazing man, the very definition of a grandpa. Everyone should be blessed enough to have a grandpa like him. I know that God and the angels are so excited to have him in heaven. He is so very very special.

Gratitude Day 5 - Tough Jobs

2011-11-10T13:52:00.001-08:00

I'm a teacher and while that is sometimes an incredibly tough job. I have a great admiration for special ed. teachers. I can't imagine how heart wrenching, exhausting, tough, rewarding and then heart wrenching all over again. It has to be one of the toughest jobs out there.

Gratitude Day 4 - A special nature Spot

2011-11-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

This is a weird category... I have to say that the beach is the first thing that comes to mind. I used to love to go out to Galveston and sit on the beach... I also love hill country in Texas!!! Several times after taking an actuary exam I would drive out to Austin or Fredericksburg... Its so peaceful and awesome. I could actually list about a million nature spots in Texas that are awesome. So I'll leave you with those two.

Gratitude Day 3 - Family Member

2011-11-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

This is a tough one. I have a lot of family and I have a great family... obviously I am very thankful for Steven who is my family :) I am also so thankful for my parents. They have always been there for me. They are solid and predictable. I always know that there is a place for me wherever they are. I am so thankful for my brother. My brother, the one that I wrote a story about being my hero when I was in second grade. My thoughts on him haven't changed much since second grade. I miss living near him and I love it every time I get to see him! There is no coincidence that in almost every photo we have from my childhood I am cracking up at my brother. What a great friend! I am thankful for my sister. No one can quite explain the bond of sisterhood. Anytime I needed a girls night when I lived in Houston I knew who I could call. When I think back on my childhood there are parts that just crack me up that involve my sister. Like when she got to go see NKOTB on a Wednesday night... man I thought the world might end. Or when we got to work together at the Day Care. Or when I would sneak in her room and watch 90210 with her. Or when we would have "sleepovers" in her room and giggle so loudly and then pretend to be asleep when we thought we heard dad. I could go on and on and this isn't even including my cousins!

Gratitude Day 2 - Governing Principles

2011-11-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

Well I'm not one to talk about politics really. I learned this from my mother who, even though she refuses to talk about who she voted for yet gets personalized Christmas cards from the Bush's, says that its rude to discuss politics. I actually find that to be quite true. I am thankful that we live in a democracy. Looking at events that are happening around the world. I am glad that women came before me that fought for the right to vote. I am glad that every citizen has the opportunity to be involved in government in one fashion or the other. I am glad that I don't have to worship God in secret and don't have to be scared of voicing my opinions. There are a lot of things that we complain about here in America, but hearing about other governments, I think we have it pretty good.

Day 1 - Where you live

2011-11-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well as many of you (eh who am I kidding.. only two people read this blog)... so as two of you know I live in Oklahoma. I am a Texas girl at heart, through and through. I cried when I had to change my driver's license over. That being said, there are some perks to living in Oklahoma. First of all, I get to live with my husband :) since he lives in Oklahoma, it was kind of important that I be here too. Second, there is less traffic. I feel like this is an understatement. When I lived in Houston, I lived 5 miles away from my work but it took me 20 minutes to get there. It now takes me 5 minutes or less to get to work. Its amazing what can be accomplished when you can make it to church in less than 30 minutes. Third, I'm getting to know and appreciate the music scene here in Oklahoma. One of the things I loved about Houston was that there was always a concert going on somewhere. Its getting to be that way here too and I have a lot of friends from college that are in the music scene here so that's cool too. Finally, I have been able to reconnect with some college friends. I get to coach with one of my roommates from college and see her precious little boy grow up. I was here to experience my other roommate's wedding (although she moved away) it was so great to meet her husband and get to know him. I love my friends and love the people they have become. While I miss my family like crazy (CRAZY) and I miss my friends from Houston... I am thankful to be in a place where values are strong and life is a little slower.

30 Days of Gratitude

2011-11-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

In order to revive my blog, I'm going to do the 30 days of gratitude. In honor of Thanksgiving, I've decided to make it about more than just eating and seeing my family... stay tuned for things that I am thankful for...

Wow how long has it been?

2011-05-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

So I'm back! Over the past year I have thought of many things I needed to blog, but then I just haven't. I'll just try to catch you up on here as much as I can. So... I got married, its been great. Living with a boy is interesting but I married into a great family and its been wonderful. I moved. I no longer live in the great state of Texas! I can't even believe it my self. I definitely cried when I gave up my license... more on that to come.

I've also started super fun things. like couponing and budgeting AND scrapbooking.. I'm finally a real grown up :)

So that's me in a nutshell.. stay tuned!

Danielle

2010-06-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

After I graduated college, I moved to Houston as fast as I could. I was working for a company in the galleria area. My only coworker was Daniele. At the time, Daniele seemed like a middle aged spinster. Looking back on it, she was probably 30. Daniele was great to go out with. She would strike up a conversation with anyone, and since she was kind of different, they would promptly turn their attention to me. What Daniele was not good at was social cues. Daniele would always assume that any male that was around was always interested in her. Daniele also liked to go out dancing a lot. She would come in the office and say "I went out last night and met a guy and we exchanged numbers. He said he would call and since he hasn't, I've called him four times and left messages." All I could think is "This is how girls get a bad rap and are considered crazy". Daniele was always good for a laugh. Her accent and outlook made her great entertainment for my work day. Here's to you Daniele...

(names have been changed for my protection)

Ode to Houston

2010-06-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I am getting ready to move out of Houston. As I start this transition I have realized that I grew up here. No, I didn't ACTUALLY grow up here but I moved here right after college and have lived my adult life in this city. I've been getting a little nostalgic about the places I've been and people I've known, so I thought I'd post a couple of tributes to different things I have loved or possibly just experienced in Houston.

The very first time I moved to Houston, I was still in college. I came down for an internship at an oil production company. I LOVED that summer. I loved hanging out with my brother all the time. And I loved the crazy people I worked with. This is the summer that I came to love Texas Music and realize that there are some crazy people in the workforce. I worked with a guy named Jimmy who fell out of his chair and collected text books. It was exciting. So here's to you, summer of 2001! I loved it all!!

Too Perfect

2009-06-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

OK... so I don't normally watch the Bachelor or the Bachelorette. And that really is the truth not just me being afraid to admit that I secretly love it. However when I do get into it, I get into it. Of course I don't believe in the premise. There is no way that it can work out since these days people have the commitment level of 3 year old playing soccer. Anyway... so the bachelorette got rid of Jake this week. JAKE!! He's an adorable pilot from Dallas with a rock hard body and a great personality. He also happens to be super sweet. Jillian (the bachelorette) thinks this makes him "too perfect". Umm... hello... no such thing. If he's perfect KEEP HIM. I wish she would have just said, "I'm letting you go because I like to be treated like crap". I feel that would have been more accurate.

Side Note... if anyone happens to know this "jake" guy who lives in Dallas and flies planes... I know of a great available girl who is looking for a perfectly nice guy!

Facebook Announces its New Recycling Program

2009-05-30T09:34:00.001-07:00

So I've been thinking how nifty facebook is lately. While my friend Angie was away in England it allowed me to see what she was up to and check out her pictures. I've been able to send out event invitations super easy, I've connected with old friends etc. Its been pretty great.

Here's what hasn't been great.... the recycling program.

There's somewhat of a phenomenon that maybe only occurs after you get past the age of 25. It generally happens after you break up with someone, someone close to you gets married, or your back up plan finds love. Its called contacting all the people that you might have had a chance with and testing the waters. This might not be such a bad thing if things had ended between you and these people amicably. If it ended in any other way.. DO NOT CONTACT these lost loves... here are a few examples.

1. If it ended by you just vanishing one day with no explanation of why...
2. If it ended with her finding out you are secretly married with children and you might have an abusive past...
3. If it ended because you were soliciting sex off the internet...

These are just a few examples, I'm sure there are many many more. I'm all for recycling in the environment, but let's recycle with caution in matters of the heart.

My Court Date

2009-04-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to court. Here is the conversation I had with one short, bleach blond, sweaty, tatted up guy.

Guy: So what'd they get you for? Speeding?

Me: No, expired registration and inspection.

Guy: Why'd you let that happen?

Me: I don't like to deal with anything related to my car

Guy: Surely you have a boyfriend or husband that does that for you.

Me: I don't like to deal with those either.

Guy: Ah c'mon it can't be that bad.

Me: Its about 50-50 and right now is proving to be pretty bad

Guy: (not noticing that I just insulted him) I like to make new friends, maybe we could hang out and be friends?

Me: That is possible, but not really probable.

Guy: (still not noticing that I have insulted him)well maybe I can get your number or you can get mine

Me: Oh my phone just died

Guy: Well I'll get yours

Me: (reluctantly, and looking for a way out of this) ok mine is...(insert fake number)

Guy: And your name?

Me: Carrie, spelled like the movie (evil grin)

Guy: You probably just gave me the number for Jack in the Box

Me: Yes I did

Guy: (still not realizing what I have said) So what do you do for a living?

This talk went on for awhile. I was doing everything I could to avoid eye contact with him and get away from him without losing my place in line. He was standing so close to me and he touched me a couple of times. Ewww... during the course of this time, he implied that we would go out and I would beat him up, that we would have kids together, and that I need to branch out on what I watch on TV. I kept looking for someone to help me out but there was no one there that cared. One guy I think was definitely laughing, and one guy (who turned out to be someone that I knew) was laughing watching the whole thing. My only saving grace was that I was in line two people ahead of him so I took care of my stuff and RAN to my car to get out of there.

I heart the Weepies

2009-03-25T15:15:00.000-07:00

If you haven't listened to the Weepies... do it.. do it now...

I've been listening to this song over and over... LOVE IT!!

"Take It From Me"

What can I compare you to, a favorite pair of shoes?
Maybe my bright red boots if they had wings
Funny how we animate colorful objects saved
Funny how it's hard to take a love with no sting.

But come on take it, come on take it, take it from me
But come on take it, come on take it, take it from me (we`ve got a good life).

What can I compare you to, a window the sun shines through?
Maybe the silver moon, a smile rising
The magic of the fading day, satellites on parade
A toast to the plans we've made to live like kings.

I lose my breath despite the air
When the rain falls down I give in to despair
Pink magnolia in winter she doesn't care
if you don't show up to have another cup.

What can I compare you to, when everything looks like you?
I get a bit confused with every Spring
Flowers that bloom your eyes, hummingbirds side by side
My heart won't stay entirely in this rib caging

I am proud of all my friends today...

2009-03-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

My best friend Angie had one of her essays published online... read it... I know you'll love it.

Angie's Essay

This one is for the Moore's

2009-03-05T09:55:00.000-08:00

Ok so I was told that I don't blog enough... so here's some interesting information.

After school I go and run on the treadmill in the gym at my apartment. Its small and there are only two treadmills. The space is kind of cramped. Its almost as if you are running on top of the person running next to you.

The past couple of times there has been a guy in there running... wearing the same red shirt every time. The first time he was in there I thought "wow I don't want to run right next to him I'll use the elliptical". So I get on the elliptical and turn it on. It asks me for my weight which I put in, then it asked for my age. Now... don't get me wrong, I love being 29, so far its been the best year ever. But, I knew this guy was watching what I'm putting in, there's a freaking mirror right in front of us. So I lied... I lied about my age on the elliptical machine. And it wasn't even a good one. I put that I was 28... whoa big difference.

So yesterday I go in to run again, and again, he's there in the SAME red shirt. So I decide to just run on the treadmill next to him. So I'm running, listening to music, running, running. I get finished, he's still running. I pick up my phone and start to walk and text at the same time and BAM I run smack into the door right in front of red-shirt guy. I hit the door so hard that my nose is actually bruised.

This leads to two questions, (1) how many people has he told about this incident? (2) does my nose stick out so far that it actually hit the door before I did?

My Marathon!!

2009-01-19T12:28:00.000-08:00

I ran a marathon!! I RAN A MARATHON!! I just keep saying it over and over again... me, Carrie, the person who hadn't run more than a mile since probably 7th grade. It feels so great to have actually trained and had the discipline to do something that I really never thought I would do. Even during my training I had questioned whether or not I would actually do it.

So here's how my marathon week went...

Saturday before the marathon - I ran my last long run, it was just 6 miles and it felt great. I actually have started enjoying my runs... let me tell you, its all in the shoes

Sunday before the marathon - Marilee and I volunteered at the USAFit marathon. It was a great marathon deemed "Everyone's Marathon". This marathon was specially created for those that couldn't get into the Houston Marathon or couldn't finish in the six hours. it was a great day for the marathon, nice weather and great location. It was also great to see people actually finishing it really helped me start to visualize how my finish was going to be. After the marathon, Marilee and I drove the marathon route. It took FOREVER and started to make me a little nervous for this weekend.

The rest of the week I completed my timed runs and tried to calm my nerves by picturing what it would be like to finish the marathon. I pictured it over and over again.

On Wednesday, Marilee and I went to the Fort Bend Fit Pasta dinner. Time to start loading up on Carbs! Jeff Galloway was the guest speaker and after listening to him Marilee and I came up with the plan to divide the course in to 4 parts and start with 2-1 intervals then increase to 3-1, 4-1, and 5-1. The last two miles were going to be a free for all, just finish however you can.

Saturday I spent the day just getting things ready and going over the plan over and over. Hub came down at about 6pm. She came into town to watch me and Liz in the marathon. So Saturday night we watched "Run Fat Boy Run" (which wasn't as great as people said it was) and went to bed. I had a hard time sleeping. I couldn't decide if I was nervous or excited. But either way, come Sunday morning I was running :)

Hebrews 12:1 – “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

2009-01-15T06:13:00.001-08:00

Wow, so its been a long time since I've really really posted. I'm sure some of you have been missing me :)

My marathon training is coming to an end this week. On Sunday I will get up, lace up my shoes, put my hair in a ponytail and head down town with Marilee. Its been an interesting journey and I'm excited to see how it will end. Last night I sat at a dinner where THE JEFF GALLOWAY spoke about running. It was motivational to know that even he hadn't started out as a runner. These past few days every time I say "I'm not really a runner" people correct me. I guess I officially am a runner. (not a very fast one, but a runner just the same). I never would have thought that I could do this... I thought that same thing before my half marathon, before my 25k and before the 30k. I have had pain like I've never experienced before, and conversation and accountability that I can never express enough gratitude for.

So on Sunday, I will run, not because I have to or because I have something to prove, but because I can and I want to run the race marked out for me.

Thanks to Lindsy I'm blogging again!

2008-12-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

8 Things about Me

8 TV Shows I Watch
1. 90210-new
2. The Office
3. Food Network- cake wars
4. America's Next Top Model
5. American Idol
6. Pushing Daisies
7. Friends (reruns)
8. Gossip Girl (I can't believe I'm admitting that)

----------------------------------------
8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Ninfas
2. Campari's
3. Taco Bueno
4. Soliz
5. On The Border
6. Texas Roadhouse
7. Massa's
8. New York Pizzeria
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8 Things That Happened Today
1. I was late getting to work
2. Watched kids taking finals
3. Ate gifts brought by my students (yum)
4. Talked on Facebook ALOT
5. Planned my lessons for next semester
6. Shopped for gits online
7. Worked some actuary problems ( I was bored)
8. Partied with my cheerleaders!!!!
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8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Christmas Break!
2. Baking later tonight
3. Seeing my nieces and nephews
4. Heaven
5. Growing old with someone
6. Retirement
7. Being finished with the marathon
8. Being finished with my invisalign
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8 Things I Wish For
1. A healthy and happy family.
2. Everyone I know and don’t know to be in heaven.
3. A vacation
4. My students to do well in class
5. A million bucks
6. A date
7. Write a book
8. To develop a group for girls that travels and speaks and really reaches the heart of teenage girls
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8 People I Tag
1. Hub
2. My Brother-in-law
3. Riz
4. Krista
5. Marilee
6. Matt
7. Matt
8. Rick

Turtle Power

2008-10-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

So I posed this question on Saturday and I had a great explanation from a friend who related it to the power rangers...

Why, on Saturday morning basic TV, do we need two episodes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles running at the same time? Is one just not enough?

Green Day songs and Sunscreen

2008-05-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

So my first year of teaching is almost officially over. Its crazy how fast its gone by. I am one fingerprint away from being officially certified to teach in the state of Texas (woohoo!!). So I had told my friend Joel that I would blog the whole year about my experiences... well I didn't. You have no idea what its like being a first year teacher. So in exchange for a whole year's worth of post here are the top 10 things I've learned this year.

1. I have way more patience than I thought I had.

2. All kids are great but I really like teenagers a lot more than little kids. Or maybe I can handle larger quantities of teenagers than I can little kids.

3. God is awesome. When He leads you some where He will also provide for you. I have never been so scared in my life as when I took this job but God has been with me through all of it and I've had more strength, more energy and more resources than I ever thought possible.

4. Never ask kids why they didn't do something. They didn't do it, they should apologize, end of story. Asking why just opens the door for lying and excuses.

5. Adults are just as bad as kids. We don't get our stuff in on time, we talk during meetings, and we love to be in the know about all the gossip. Apparantly you never grow out of stuff.

6. Being a coach is hard work, especially for cheerleading. I have loved being a cheerleading coach but its definitely not easy. Getting 10 girls to do the same thing at the same time is not an easy task, plus throw in some emotions, boy drama, and mood swings and it makes it that much more fun.

7. You can always do what you're doing better. I feel like I screwed up my first round of students (apparantly this is a common feeling). I do feel like I should apologize though. I know my math really well, but I didn't always convey my concepts that well... amazingly your good ideas come after you've already taught that section.

8. I work longer and harder now than I did at my last job. This can be proven by the 10 lbs I lost in my first semester of teaching as well as the fact that I can't sit down in the evenings without falling asleep (this used to not be the case). Consequently I have tried to watch Harry Potter 3 times and have never made it past the first 15 minutes (Sorry Sean)

9. I have an incredibly supportive friends. My friends came to so many scoreless football games and overhyped basketball games just to support me.

10. Its great to love what you do. I really liked being an actuary. It was ok most of the time. But I know LOVE what I do. I get up and go to work earlier than I ever did before. I feel like I get to play all day long. And now when I sit in an office for even 10 minutes, I am BORED to tears. I encourage everyone to find what they love and do it!!

Laws of gift giving for men

2007-12-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

Some of these are great ideas. Some are a little degrading to men (i.e. the one that says "fetch" at the end) so read, enjoy and don't be offended (we as women recognize that it is somewhat offensive) :)

1. Newspaper is not wrapping paper. Neither is a plastic bag from HMV. Neither is hiding the gift behind your back.
2. Best wrapping paper: katespaperie.com.
3. When you must give gifts: anniversary, birthday, Valentine's Day, Christmas/Hanukkah.
4. When she would also like you to give gifts: Arbor Day, Flag Day, Kazakhstan Independence Day (December 16), Chester A. Arthur's birthday (October 5).
5. Flowers are not gifts. They're a garnish.
6. If you are going to buy said garnishes: roses minus the baby's breath, monochromatic tulips, orchids on the stems, eremuri, calla lilies in colors.
7. Carnations and chrysanthemums are the floral equivalent of T.G.I. Friday's.
8. A blue box from Tiffany's is the ultimate packaging, because it will make the Gift Givee squeal, " Oohh! A blue box!"
9. Addendum: Gift Giver understands that contents of said blue box must also be from Tiffany's or risk serious injury to lower part of body.
10. Practical gifts are a federal offense. You are better off giving a single leg warmer than any of the following: coffeemaker, paper shred-der, vacuum cleaner, computer, fancy pen, smoke alarm, or forklift.
11. Acronym gifts are likewise violations: CD, DVD, BSE.
12. If you don't trust your taste, buy her a service: a massage, facial, or mani-pedi. Prepay the tip.
13. You shall not willfully ignore this obvious but crucially important shortcut: Ask Gift Givee's friends and family for suggestions.
14. If you must buy your girlfriend a dress or skirt, you shall not supersize. Size down, not up. Banana Republic's size 2 is really more like a size 6 these days.
15. Pay attention to the fine print. She says: "I loved that bracelet Rachel was wearing." Your translation: "Let's have a threesome with her." Actual translation: "Buy me that bracelet."
16. Most coveted shoe brands, in descending order: Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Via Spiga, Charles David, Nine West.
17. Giver can never go wrong with cashmere.
18. Surf and ye shall find. A few good shopping sites: uncommongoods.com, sephora.com, girlshop.com, blissworld.com, bluefly.com.
19. Try giving six wrapped wine bottles, each labeled with a watershed relationship moment: first anniversary, first baby, first house, et cetera. Open and drink when you arrive at said moments.
20. Addendum: Do not include first affair, first arrest, first divorce.
21. Avoid self-improvement gifts, even if the Givee asks for them. A book on the South Beach Diet will not get you laid.
22. When buying clothes, it's safest to stick to things that will not lead to further self-esteem issues involving the size of her body parts. Examples: hats, gloves, scarves, sarongs.
23. Don't buy lessons. Yoga sessions and pottery classes put the onus on the Givee, and no one likes an onus.
24. Snooping is not a violation; snooping is encouraged. When Givee is not home, look in her closet to see if she likes Club Monaco, J.Crew, or Chanel. If it's Chanel, quietly close the closet door and back away. You were never there.
25. Find item Gift Givee is most proud of and buy a newer, better, more expensive version of identical item. Consider: You're a basketball fan. She buys you tickets to a lacrosse game, citing the logic that it's also a game with a ball and a net. Or else she comes home with NBA playoff tickets, courtside. Which makes you happier?
26. Regarding cards: Avoid ones with jokes about her age, weight, or sexual shortcomings. Try making a card, using a color Xerox of your favorite photo of the two of you … oh, forget it. Fredflare.com or papyrusonline.com.
27. Perform due diligence. Next time your girlfriend is paging through a magazine, listen to her instead of nodding vacantly. Ask to see the item she's drooling over. Make a mental note. Fetch.

Best Six Weeks Ever

2007-11-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

I received "Teacher of the Six Weeks"!!! I am still a little in shock and still really uncomfortable with public praise. I really honestly didn't expect it. I have to say that it seems like there are so many other people here that work way harder than I do... or maybe I just don't feel like what I do is work. Here's what I do on a given day. I get here early in the morning, get my room ready to go (feel like I'm never organized) and begin teaching people about math. My job has instant rewards... just last week a girl who was failing received an A on a test probably for the first time ever. Its nothing I did... she has a tutor now, but I was the one who got to see her face when she turned her paper over and saw her grade. My biggest issue at this school has been boys hitting on me and me having to make them go talk to the administrator to stop it. We have some good kids here at Westbury... sure they're lazy sometimes and whine sometimes but who doesn't? And I get to work with my friends. I see my good friends everyday and they are people with the same values as me that hold me accountable and spur me on to be a better person... I've never regretted quitting my job... not once. God is good and had a good plan in mind for me... I'm not sure why I ever doubted. So here's to you Westbury Christian.... you're having the best week ever.

How Long has it been?

2007-10-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

Its been forever since I've posted a blog. Well not forever but you get the picture. So here's what's going on with me. (If anyone still reads this). I started teaching. I'm in the middle of my first year of teaching. Its been great so far. I'm finished with my certification class, and I feel so blessed to be at a christian school. Its great to be able to openly talk about God in your classes. I feel like we are able to hold our students to a higher standard and we have documentation to back us up. Also my students are great. They are genuinely good kids. Oh they talk and are late and still try to get out of their homework, but they really do show respect when its needed and they try, which is more than I can say for a lot of places. There are definitely things I don't understand here, such as how kids can just quit sports in the middle of the season without thinking about it. My parents would have never allowed that, but all in all its been good so far. Football season is about to kill. I had forgotten how much I just loved football and when kids that you love are playing it makes it all the worse. They will win, and if they don't, they have given it all they have without backing down and that makes me proud.

In other news, I'm burned out. I'm burned out on people not caring. Adults really. The singles ministry has gotten stale for me. People feel no commitment to it. People make commitments to do things and then drop them for their new boyfriend or girlfriend. And its starting to get to me. I'm starting to get bitter towards people and their choices. Consequently I'm thinking of stopping being involved in singles ministry. No one really feels likes its important so I'm not sure why I do. I really think it might be time to give it up.

So what's new with you??

The Best Laid Plans

2007-07-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

So ... in case you didn't know, we're back in Houston. We landed from L.A. on Friday evening and slept in our own beds this past weekend. God did not have it in His plans for us to go to the Philippines. Although God did protect us the whole way. And some awesome people in the L.A. area rearranged their lives so that we could spend a day at the beach.

Yesterday the youth minister pointed out that in addition to satan attacking us as a group, he is attacking us each individually. I feel that, there is a spiritual battle going on here amongst our people. Please pray for the strength and courage to allow God to fight that for us.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. Know without a doubt that your prayers have been answered, we were safe and the will of the Father was accomplished.

24 Hours Later and still in Houston

2007-06-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

For all of those who are wondering how our Philippines trip is going... as of now its not. We ran into a snag yesterday as the weather in Dallas wouldn't cooperate. After running to a different terminal, coming back, waiting... and waiting and waiting. We ran out of options for leaving yesterday. Props to our youth minister who did everything he could and still managed to keep everyone in high spirits. So we're going to try all we can to get there. The Holy Spirit was definitely working yesterday!! And the most amazing thing we saw was our teens breaking out in spontaneous prayer for this trip. They've worked so hard and are ready to share the Gospel in the Philippines. So join them in prayer that this trip happens. And if it doesn't, pray that God will open doors for them to share their faith right here or where ever He wants us to be. They've already started that by praying in a public place and praising God no matter what the circumstances. Awesome stuff going on... more updates to follow.

Just Do It

2007-05-31T14:03:00.000-07:00

Whatever It Is
are you changing?
do you know it?
do you feel it?
do you know?

but youre waiting
while youre waiting
why are you waiting?
just do it - whatever it is

there are secrets
there are places
there are places you can go to
they might tell youy
eah theyll tell you
that you shouldnt
but do it - whatever it is
go do it - whatever it is
just do it - whatever it is

and youre dancing
and youre looking kinda crazy
and your arms are making little circles
there are reasons
there are reasons
you can find out
so do it - whatever it is
just do it - whatever it is
go do it - whatever it is
whatever it is

its so quiet
and youre dreaming
i turn to you and say
"awake is the new sleep"
so wake up
and do it - whatever it is
just do it - whatever it is
cos awake is the new sleep
awake is the new sleep
so wake upwake up
and do it - whatever it is
just do it - whatever it is
go do it - whatever it is
just do it - whatever it is
whatever it is

I guess its not that I don't know what I want.. its that I want everything

2007-05-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

Today I made a decision. I turned down a job. A job that I would have been really good at and really enjoyed. Why did I turn it down? I have no idea. I couldn't make a decision and time was running out so I took the safe way out. As I sit here I'm debating whether or not I did the right thing. Everyone advised me... if its what will make you happy do it.. if you really want to do it, do it... the problem is that I don't know what I want to do. Or probably more accurately, I want to do it all. So instead of doing something, I do nothing. I sit and wait and wonder about things. I'm puzzeled. I want to do what God wants me to do, but how do you know when God is speaking to you. I know how God has spoken to me. I can look back and definitely see the hand of God in my life. But in the moment, I listen for his voice and can't hear it. I'm confused and wondering if I'm too scared to actually be the person that God wants me to be, or if He just has bigger things in mind.

6 White Shirts

2007-01-31T09:11:00.000-08:00

So this is not what my closet looks like, however I was reading today about how to organize your closet. As some of you know, I'm an organizational freak. My roommates in college used to move the coffee table an inch just to wait and see when I would move it back. Yeah, I'm a little OCD, but in an orderly fashion (of course). So, I was reading about organization and it kept showing pictures like this. I have to say, this closet looks awesome, and your's can look this great too...IF all you're going to keep in your closet is 6 white shirts. I mean really, who has these contents or anywhere near this in their closet. Me, I have 6 white shirts... plus a million more, plus formals that I will never wear again, PLUS a fabulous USA 2000 dress (you really have to see it to appreciate it), plus... I can't let stuff go, where's the closet picture of that?

Changes

2006-12-27T09:36:00.000-08:00

"I thought a lot over the break about how odd it is that family I've loved so much can choose paths that can hurt so much and how it gets to the point where I can't remember what it was like when things were good"

A friend of mine emailed this statement to me after we talked about my Christmas with my family. It might be one of the saddest statements I've ever heard. But it is so true. I love my family. I love them with all my heart. I hate sharing them. I love talking to them and laughing with them and laughing about our craziness. I love each of them for different reasons and for the same reason. My family is crazy and classy. Sometimes I wish I could be one of those people that could move away and just send presents and not ever wonder about my family. But I'm not. I can't be. I want to be around family and I want my family to be joyful and living in accordance to God's will. This Christmas I was reminded that my family is not the same, and won't be the same, and I'm not sure anyone but me really cares. I will continue to fight for my family even when I feel like giving up. I want my legacy to be a good one. I want when I die for people to say that I loved my family and would do anything for them. And above all I loved God.

Tagged

2006-11-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

At the request of my Brother-in-law , I am doing this post... Don't forget to scroll to the end to see if you've been tagged.

Here we go:

Three things that scare me:

Frogs
Noises at night
Not telling enough people about Jesus

Three people who make me laugh:

Sean
Michael Scott
Myself (no really.. I crack myself up)

Three things I hate the most:

having no personal space
being tickled
being lied to

Three things I don't understand:

how the people on the commercials get their hair to look like that
why men lose weight faster than women
why the heck traffic is going so slow all the time

Three things I'm doing right now:

Avoiding other work & study
listening to the new guy at my work sing out loud
cravinMexicanan food

Three things I want to do before I die:

create a foundation for something that means something
be a missionary
travel (a lot!!)

Three things I can do:

Tap dance
calm almost any child
calculate loan balances with just a regular calculator

Three ways to describe my personality:

Silly
bossy
adventurous

Three things I can't do:

go to sleep without the TV on
lose the 5 lbs I so desperately need to (see above: me craviMexicancan food)
register for dishes (darn rules about weddings and stuff)

Three things I think you should listen to:

Late Night Case of the Blues by Roger Creager
Romans by Jennifer Knapp
Jesus

Three things you should never listen to:

arrogant people

car repairmen

Three things I'd like to learn:

Greek
ballet
theory behind mortality tables (just in case my boss is reading this)

Three favorite foods:

Mexican
Mexican

Three beverages I drink regularly:

Water
Coffee
Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi

Three shows I watched as a kid:

Bugs Bunny
Pink Panther
Tom and Jerry

Three people I'm tagging (to do this):

Riz
Hub
Marilee (Its been since April.. I want an update)

Singles Ministry Retreat

2006-10-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

This post is way late, but back in September our singles' ministry had their first leadership retreat. It was awesome. It was so great to see a group of people that God had totally brought to this place. It was great to see prayers answered for strong leaders in our ministry. And it was amazing to see how God was going to use each of us. I'm excited for where God is taking us and for the plan that he has. Everyone that knows me knows that singles ministries have been a burden that God has placed on my heart and its great to see God bringing things together. Pray for our ministry and others out there like it. Pray for the singles' hearts that we are trying to reach. Pray for Christ's church.

Without Condition

2006-10-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

This song has come to mean a lot to me lately. I have come to find a lot of myself in these lyrics. How many times do we push things that we don't understand away and classify it as "weird" or "liberal" or "conservative" or.... Read the lyrics with an open heart.

You find this situation just a bit uncomfortable;
You'd rather stay far away from reality.
For you to understand would be clearly impossible;
So you shut your eyes and swear you can see.
Claiming there is a God, but does that mean anything?

So condescending to those that you don't understand;
Just too easy to make them your enemies.
Like an ostrich, you bury your head in the sand,
And then shout about all the things you believe.
But if there is a God, don't you think He can see
What you really mean? What you're doing?

Chorus:
You can't find the answers
Till you learn to question;
You won't appear stupid
Just ask for direction.
You're insecure and it clouds your perception
So stop and listen
And learn a lesson in love without condition.

So place all the souls that you know in their own little box;
Quite convenient to handle them that way;
You're the only one you know who carries a cross
You don't care what they care about anyway.
You talk to your God,
Prayin' for those who sin,
For their eyes to be opened

Chorus:
You can't find the answers
Till you learn to question;
You won't appear stupid
Just ask for direction.
You're insecure and it clouds your perception
So stop and listen
And learn a lesson in love without condition.

~Ginny Owens

Let's try to learn the lesson in love without condition and pass that on to people around us.

Registration Day

2006-09-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

"Think about it. If you are single, after graduation there isn't one occasion where people celebrate you ... Hallmark doesn't make a "congratulations, you didn't marry the wrong guy" card. And where's the flatware for going on vacation alone? " - Carrie Bradshaw

So my birthday is coming up... I will once again be turning 25. And I've decided. I want nice dishes. There's no reason that I should hang around with the things I have and pine for the day that I can walk down that aisle, the Target aisle that is, and register. So I've decided to pick dishes out and let everyone that buys me presents (all two of them) know what I want. I've already gotten comments about "is it your wedding", "are you going to register" and you know what I think.. I think single people should register. Like I said why should I continue to scramble my eggs in a skillet that is as old as I am just because I've decided to wait for the right guy? If anyone deserves to eat on special dishes it should be those that dine alone...

So let me hear it, what are things that society makes you wait until your married to own or do (aside from the obvious one.. let's refrain ourselves please) that you think you should be able to have or do now and do so proudly...

For you guys

2006-09-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

But most of all I miss my friend
The one my heart and soul confided in
The one I felt the safest with
The one who knew just what to say to make me laugh again
And let the light back in
I miss my friend

I miss the colors that you brought into my life
Your golden smile, those blue-green eyes
I miss your gentle voice in lonely times like now
Saying it'll be alright

I miss my friend
The one my heart and soul confided in
The one I felt the safest with
The one who knew just what to say to make me laugh again
And let the light back in
I miss my friend

I miss those times
I miss those nights
I even miss the silly fights
The making up
The morning talks
And those late afternoon walks

I miss my friend
The one my heart and soul confided in
The one I felt the safest with

....
Ok so I know this song is about the woman that the guy loves, but take out all the love stuff and it really applies to my friends. And it hit me last night... I try to push the feelings back and try to be a big grown up, but when it comes down to it. I miss my friends. I miss the people that know me inside out. The ones that know the answers to the generic questions of what do I do, where am I from, what do I want to do with my life. I miss the people that get my jokes and get me. I miss the ones that know that I'm quiet in the morning, not because I'm mad just because I don't have the energy. I miss the people, that will call me out when I'm being weird and have the right to do so because they KNOW me. I miss being able to cry without something being wrong and laughing for no reason, and being silly with people that really truly care about me. I miss the people that know me inside and out and love me just the same. The ones that I can be honest with and they won't ever hold it against me or bring it up again. Who take me for what I am and appreciate every part of me. You guys do that and I love you for it and I miss you so deeply that it hurts.

I know we have to be adults and move on and do our lives differently because we're each so different. But I can't express how much I appreciate those differences in you and how much I love that you appreciate the differences in me. I love you guys... have a great weekend!!

Don't Cry Shop Girl

2006-08-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

"First let me warn you, I may cry. Now these are not tears of sadness or anger but of me having this conversation with you" - Rachel from Friends

Why is it that girls cry when having confrontation? This week I went through some work stuff and literally had to hold back my tears at some points. Was I sad? No Was I angry? No. I was just having to stand up for myself and I almost cried.

A few years ago I quit my job to come to the current company I'm with now. I cried when I quit that job. I have no clue why I cried. I was moving to a better company with better benefits and more training and more money!! But I didn't like letting my employer down. It was almost like a break up and I had been out cheating on them interviewing with another company. I had to convince them that it wasn't them it was me, I just needed something else. Its very stressful.

Last week I had lunch with a couple ministers from my church to talk about the singles' ministry. I almost cried during that lunch. I don't know why. There was nothing intimidating about it and it was a really great lunch with a lot of positive things coming out of it.

I think this is a common problem with women... we cry at odd times for odd reasons, sometimes for no reason at all. So fill me in... when have you cried in weird times.

P.S. I was not crying while I wrote this :)

Spread the Word

2006-08-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

In honor of my friend Sara Watterson please check this out...

Hey everyone! My friend Sara has started a new business and I thought you all might like to see it. Check it out online at www.photocardcafe.com. If you want, put a link to this website on your blog if you have one. It would really help her out!

What Happens at Church Camp....

2006-08-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

So I just got back from Camp Imani and it was a blast. I had almost forgotten how much I really love things like that. Ahhh the mountain top, if only we could stay there forever. It was difficult to come back to work. Its times like camp that make me rethink going in to full time ministry. I know a couple of my readers have always been pulling for that. So just pray for me. I feel God calling me, I have no idea where though.

The Storm

2006-07-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

There are times when I feel a calm and times when I feel a storm. This is one of those times that I feel a storm. I am waiting for the eye of the storm so that I know its almost over, but I can't see the eye. I only feel the strong winds and the limbs breaking all around me. Some times during the storm I feel stronger than ever, I feel like I can conquer anything and I have faith that Jesus will say "Peace, Be Still". Then other times I feel lost, swept up in the winds and the waves and far away from the shore. I know the storm will end, I just don't know what will be destroyed when it is over and what will suprisingly be still standing when it is over. Kind of like tornadoes where one house is totally demolished and the one right next to it is perfect. I wonder which will be which when the sun comes out. But while I wait I find this song comforting. And while the storm rages on, I will praise God because He is here through it all and worthy of our praise in good times and bad.

Praise You In the Storm
~Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again,
I say Amen, and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear
Your whisper through the rain "I'm with you"
And as You mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will life my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I rwhen Ier whenI stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear
You whisper through the rain"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Ummm??? (shocked face)

2006-05-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

What happened America?

I couldn't believe it!! And not only could I not believe it... it seems that Katherine couldn't believe it either. I think Elliot has it all now. And as my final plea... please get Taylor out of there.

I Have Nothing to Wear

2006-02-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

So I was listening to the radio on my daily commute and one of the DJ's was going to the Bon Jovi concert that night. After I got over my jealousy, I realized that they were talking about the fact that she had picked out her outfit two weeks before the concert. Well, the male DJ couldn't believe that anyone would plan their outfit that far in advance. He called it a sickness several times.

I have to admit that I plan my outfits way in advance. Basically the minute I decide to do something I think about what I'm going to wear. Of course sometimes this changes last minute and sometimes I end up buying something new.

So the question remains, is this a sickness? And if it is, how many of you out there have it?

80's Songs That Speak to the Heart

2006-01-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make... Girls do just wanna have fun. Its not a lie. Cyndi Lauper really knew what she was talking about. I know that all of you out there think that girls need to be serious and sensitive, but when the working day is done, girls just wanna have fun. And today, I just wanna have fun. I'm sitting at work in the Dallas office, bored to tears. Well not totally bored, I have plenty of people to email and keep me occupied. But I can't wait to get out of here. I'm tired and anxious and unsettled. I just want to go have fun. Its weird how work can be SO boring....

48% Of Marriages End in Divorce

2005-12-28T12:31:00.000-08:00

I have good news and bad news. The bad news first... the love of my life is married. I went to go see him (Roger Creager - for those of you that are not my friends and don't know that) My brother gave me the best birthday/christmas present ever... Tickets to the Texans/KC Chiefs game. I know, I know the Texans are not that great this year, but Roger was playing prior to the game and we were basically one step away from being on stage with him. Everything was going well, we had met some nice people, no one had offered us rum or referred to me as my brothers "quote, unquote sister" and then it happened. Roger started talking about his "wife". I've never been so sad in all my life. Then at dinner my friend J.G. offered a great piece of encouragement "48% of marriages end in divorce"... so there is still hope. So here's to hoping!!

Beautiful Somehow

2005-11-03T22:02:00.000-08:00

Artist: Joy Williams
Album: By Surprise
Track: Beautiful Somehow

Never been a fashion queen
I wear dresses, I wear jeans
I’ve even been known to wear my heart on my sleeve
I’m just your average kid next door
A plain, simple mystery
I’m a self-proclaimed Daddy’s girl
With my share of idiosyncrasies
But You love me for me

I’m just fine
I see a smile from Heaven
My Father is proud
I know that I am simply, fearfully and wonderfully
Made in You
You make it beautiful somehow

I’ve got old fashioned sensibilities
I believe chivalry still exists
And I can be a princess
Even when there ain’t no prince
So what if I’m right brained
I’ve got half a mind to disagree
I would rather write the book
Than go and read the movie
So even when I may not rhyme
You always give me reason…

Got my elbows on the table
My mind up in the clouds
I know I’m getting better
I can almost hear You laugh out loud
The more I trust in You
The more I find
What You create is no mistake
It’s purpose by design

The Match Game

2005-09-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

I don't match today.... I thought I did when I left the house but by the time I got to work I realized that I definitely didn't match. Of course one of my coworkers pointed it out first thing when I walked in.... gotta love honest people. So now I've been sitting here all day knowing that I don't match and being incredibly uncomfortable.

Five tips for a woman....

2005-09-20T07:06:00.000-07:00

1. It is important to find a man that helps you around the house and has a job.

2. It is important to find a man that makes you laugh.

3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.

4. It is important to find a man that loves you and spoils you.

5. It is most important that these four men don't know each other.

The "Incident"

2005-08-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

This is my truck, or was my truck. I actually don't know if it is or was since the insurance hasn't gone through yet. So here's the update... on Thursday I was rushing home real quick to change clothes and head out to the Astros game with Marilee!!! We had awesome seats that my boss had given me since no one else was using them. Well as I turned left into my apartment complex I heard a horn honk and then my airbags deployed... I really have no idea what happened. So now I think that I will be purchasing a new car. The saddest part is that this is the truck that I had all the way through college. I had so many memories involving this truck... so I've decided to list my favorite memories.

1. The day that I got the truck
My mom was out of town because my nephew had just been born and my dad and I went and bought the truck while she was born. My mom still swears to this day that we waited until she went out of town and went behind her back to get it...

2. Rain Dance
This summer is frequented by memories of my vehicle.... moving in when I drove my truck in the grass between the apartment buildings and freaked some drunk guy out, so I could pull right up to the door. Then there was the first time I spilled something in my truck turning out of the rain dance apartments... those apartments were really creepy.

3. Lampasas
Ah the spring ho festival ... what more can I say besides... thanks Hub for cleaning my truck.

4. The comedy club
Nothing goes with Houston than having 5 hispanics stuffed in a little truck pulling up to a five star hotel....

So here's to my truck... all the moving, the nights out, and the drive thrus... I will miss you...

Now I know some of you have fav memories of the truck so c'mon... post em.

Single and Fabulous - Exclamation Point

2005-06-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to write today to tell anyone who still reads my blog, that God is awesome!!

Last night we had our first devo of the summer for the singles' ministry... as many of you know I am helping to advance this ministry at our church. And as many of you know this is a ministry that needs a lot of help usually!! I have yet to understand why we go through middle school, high school and college using all of our time to praise God with other Christians and fellowship, and somehow after college that just stops. I don't know about you, but I want it back!! As Matthew West (a Christian Artist) says:

"Well, I wish I could say I always stayed right there And I did until my freshman year But the world was pulling me a long way from thirteen And you were calling but I didn't hear Still I knew there was something more So, one day my knees hit the dorm room floor I said, "If you're there, and if you really care, Come and talk to me like I was thirteen." "

Anyway, the devo was awesome and we're well on our way to creating a place for singles' to come and be a part of a family... God's family. So pray for us and praise God that He works in awesome ways. And take time today to rekindle that feeling ... the mountain top feeling of when you were young and you had just discovered how great being a Christian could be.

Fill in the Blanks

2005-06-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

So I realized today that I haven’t updated my blog in 5 months!!! 5 MONTHS!! That’s a long time. Why hasn’t anyone complained…. Do people even still read my blog? Who knows? Well for those of you who are still reading this here’s what I have been up to.

1. My parents are taking all of us (the WHOLE family) to Disney World in a month. I’m kind of excited… I love Roller Coasters and we haven’t been on a family vacation since I was in third grade… so we’ll see how this goes.

2. I took another exam, and I think that I might have passed this one but we’ll have to wait until July to find out.

3. I am now in charge of the singles’ ministry at my church and consequently I have learned that I don’t like planning things for people my age… I also realized that I’m a much bigger dork than I thought I was.

4. The Astros are terrible this season. Let’s hope this isn’t an omen for the Texans’ season.

And that’s pretty much it…. Leave a comment with your exciting news, and I promise I will post again soon!!!

Secret Single Behavior

2005-01-20T07:28:00.000-08:00

SSB

Last night I officially watched my first episode of Sex and the City. I know, I know, I'm a little behind the times. Anyway, Sarah Jessica Parker brought up SSB's. These are your Secret Single Behaviors. These are things that we do alone that we would never do in front of any guy, like Charlotte said that she liked to stare at her pores in a magnifying mirror for at least an hour every day, but now she couldn't because her husband would think that it was weird. (which he would). So I was thinking about my "Secret Single Behavior" and realized that I definitely have some. My biggest one would be that I like to lay in the middle of my floor and stare at the ceiling while listening to music, for at least 30 minutes when I get home from work, and I definitely don't want to talk at all. So I figured this would be a good chance for you guys to chime in on what your "Secret Single Behavior" is....

Long Day at Work

2005-01-03T07:19:00.000-08:00

So I think that everyone is back at work today. The bus was packed, traffic was bad, and I'm back to my regular routine. Its so hard to get back on track after being off for basically two weeks. Also, I'm bored with my cubicle. (mostly I'm bored being in a cubicle) But the good news is that our head office sent us a memo about how to keep our work place clean and it included an article with Vern from Trading Spaces organizing someone's cubicle. The sad part is that I read the whole thing and thought it made some interesting points (how old am I??). Anyway, I have to get back to work, after all that's what this day is all about.

A Blog a Day...

2004-12-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

This is our slow time at work, so I'm bored during most of my day. And I have to say that I'm disappointed. Most likely I'm disappointed with you... Yes I said you. I take a section of my day and read people's blogs. Some of you might not even know that I read them, but I comment on some people's, anyway... no one has posted anything new in several days. I guess I can't say no one, Angie posted today (thanks Ang) but to the rest of you... PLEASE POST A NEW BLOG. And to those of you who read this and don't have a blog, GET ONE. Can't you see that I'm bored??

Saying Goodbye

2004-12-15T14:56:00.000-08:00

There comes a point in everyone's life when they must say goodbye to someone near and dear to them. This time came for me today. My hair dryer died today. It was a quick and painless death I think, just a quick spark and some smoke. I think that my flat iron is effected the most by this. But here's to you hair dryer, you have been there for the good times and the bad times for several years. No matter what, you've always made me look the best I can, and for this you are truly appreciated and will be missed.

~Carrie

Before and After

2004-12-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

Cosmetic Dentistry... this is the new fad around here. I have always thought that Americans took pretty good care of their teeth, but pictures would have us believing otherwise. Now it is the style for dentists office to display before and after pictures on their signs outside of the office. Now don't get me wrong, I think its great that people are getting their teeth fixed, but really do we need visuals of this. There is one sign on the road that I frequently drive down on my way to get something to eat. And the pictures on the sign are not just someone with crooked teeth that had them straightened, these are people with teeth that can only compare with those of the devil. Here's a hint, if I am interested and want to see what other work you've done, I'll come in and ask. I know what "Cosmetic Dentistry" means, I don't need a visual. You don't see plumbers putting before and after pictures on their signs... take a hint.

Don't Hate the Playa... Hate the Game

2004-11-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

This might possibly be the worst advice that was ever offered to me. But it has nothing to do with my blog today. Today I have an update in my search for a Christmas Party Date. I have found the best date a girl could possibly ask for. Ladies... try not to be jealous, but I am taking the one and only MATT THOMAS. Actually there is another Matt Thomas that I accidentally wrote an email to when I was in school and confessed my undying love to, fortunately he was nice enough to forward it on to the person for whom it was intended.

Matt has already begun putting together a list of stories that we can tell as our "how we met" story. So here is the list he has provided to me. Please feel free to vote on your favorite.

(Written by Matt Thomas)

1. I could be the foreign exchange student your family hosted years ago (except I can't fake an accent.) I missed you so much that I had to come back and see you.

2.We met on a random cruise for singles and have stayed in touch ever since.

3.I am the tow truck driver who took your car most recently from downtown. I felt bad about the $200 charge so you asked me to be your date

4.We met on eharmony.com and when anyone asks at the party I will say that I just flew into town and this is my very first time to ever meet you or see you. We didn't exchange pictures while talking for the last year.

5.We met at college and....oh wait..that really did happen.

6.I was backpacking thru Europe (or whatever country you have been to) and you were there vacationing with some girlfriends. We met in a tiny European market as you were frustrated that some guy was ripping you off price-wise on a bag you wanted and I intruded and spoke the local language to the guy and you got a fantastic discount. You then went on to wink at me and asked if you could "tip" me by buying me a drink at the nearest café. And from there it's history.

7.We could tell everyone we're on a blind-date and yes you're taking me home afterwards.

8.I am the father of your child that you gave up for adoption five years ago.

9.I am living in Florida, but these horrendous tropical storms and hurricanes came thru earlier this year and destroyed most of my belongings. I quickly learned that it "served me right for living on some land that just sticks out in the ocean like that," and so I'm looking for a place to buy in Houston and met you on the sidewalk in your neighborhood.

Waiting on Mr. Right? Why Young Career Women are Putting Motherhood on Ice

2004-11-09T07:36:00.000-08:00

This blog really has nothing to do with people freezing their eggs. But I thought that this article was very interesting and weird.

So I have to find a date to my work Christmas party. I feel like I'm in college all over again and I have to find a date to banquet and you all know how well that worked out for me. So a few people in the office are making bets on who I'm going to bring. I don't see why I have to bring anyone. Its not that I don't have anyone to bring. I know some people that I could ask and they would go with me. The problem is that our office Christmas party is notorious for being boring, and I'm not sure that I want to subject people that I like to that kind of misery. So if anyone has any thoughts or ideas, I'm open for advice.... I know what I'm going to wear... why is the date part always the hardest???

~Carrie

I GET A KICK OUT OF SOCCER

2004-11-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

Soccer

So, my brother broke his arm playing soccer on our indoor soccer league. Up until now, the biggest injury we had is when I got smacked in the face by the ball being kicked as hard as this big man could kick it. I was just getting over my fear of that happening again when my brother broke his arm. I don't want to say that he got knocked down by a girl but that is what happened. My fears would also be calmed a little if our ref didn't have a glass eye. This is kind of freaky if you actually think about it. Anyway, in honor of my brother, here's the top five freakiest times in my soccer career...

5. The first time I played and I wasn't in very good shape and I thought I was going to die after just being out there 1 minute.

4. The first time that someone got the bright idea to kick me the ball (possibly they thought that I was going to be able to do something with it) and everyone started running towards me.

3. When I got smacked in the face with the ball... my brother said that you could hardly tell that it hit me though.

2. The game that the ball got passed to me and I started running down the field with the ball. This was cool until I realized that I was doing something cool and then I freaked out.

1. Last game when I was walking off of the field and I saw a blood stain on the wall... c'mon we can't clean that up... really?

Don't Forget to Vote!!!

2004-11-02T06:44:00.000-08:00

Some Bathroom Humor

2004-10-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

I work in an office type setting, and I like to think that I'm pretty up to date on the latest office etiquette. So here's a few tips in case you're not sure how to act in an office setting...

1. Its rude to have inappropriate conversations with your boyfriend while you're in your cubicle. Don't they know that other people can hear them?? Not only is it rude, it should be embarrassing for the person doing it.

2. Don't come around at 5:25 on a Friday expecting to go over a lot of work that was given to you 4 days ago and you're just now getting to. Some of us aren't trying to avoid going home.

3. If you are a receptionist and someone calls for Fred, and you can see that Fred is on the phone, don't go over behind Fred and whisper his name over and over again so you can tell him he has another call. He's on the phone... TAKE A MESSAGE!!

4. Don't touch other people's computer screens. Treat them as sacred.

5. Don't take magazines from the breakroom into the bathroom (this has really happened). You should not need reading material in the office bathroom. A trip to the bathroom at work should always be a short one. And whatever you do, DON'T return the magazines that you took to the bathroom, to the break room... that's just disgusting!!

And this is what I know so far. I thought that these things were common knowledge but after working at this freakshow of a job that I have, I guess its not!!

~Carrie

We'll get 'em next year!!

2004-10-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

Way to go!!

My Big Tow

2004-10-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

My Big Tow
I don't always ride the bus to work, sometimes I drive my car, but only on special occasions when I have something going on after work. A few Friday's ago, the Astros were competing for the Wild Card pick in the playoffs and I had tickets. So I drove downtown on that Friday with plans of meeting Marilee and Kara for the game. I was even trying to be productive, thinking that I could work late (on a Friday) and then just walk over to the ballpark. Since the day I started working downtown, whenever I drive in I always have this big fear that I will come down to the location of my car and it will be gone. Well on this day, that nightmare came true.

I park in this lot that has numbered parking spaces and then you put your money in this big box in the slot with the number that corresponds to your parking spot. After work, I decided to take a few of my bags to my car so I wouldn't have to run around downtown looking like the bag lady. I walk to the parking lot, look around and realize, that my truck is gone. I immediately have to give myself a pep-talk so that I don't end up crying and I try not to look too stupid because there is a cute guy who is paying for his parking and I don't want him to think..."ahh look at the retard who lost her whole car". So I call the towing company and find out that they towed my truck for "failure to pay" (which I definitely did pay) and they tell me that it will be $200 to get my car back.

Now, I like to think that everyone works hard at their job and is paid accordingly... but really, hooking my truck up(falsely, might I add) and dragging it a few miles away does not constitute $200.

So anyway, I still went to the Astros game and they made it into the playoffs. I did almost get in a fight with this guy that wouldn't move out of our seats. At which point Marilee suggested that I might be a contestant on a show called "Boiling Point" where they see how far they can push you before you go crazy. My friend Kara and I went and picked up my truck at about 11:00 that night. It might possibly be classified as the scariest time in my life. But we managed through, paid the $200 and went to Applebee's where the manager paid for my whole meal because he felt sorry for me... he's a pretty cool guy!!

So the moral of the story is... never drive downtown... EVER!!

Here's To You Sports Fans...

2004-10-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

Houston has the greatest fans ever. So here's to you...

Here's to you lady with the Rum. Way to share your secret of how to sneak in your own alcohol.

Here's to you bird man, when asked if you were drunk when you made your costume, you said "no I was just doing what the Lord told me to"

Here's to you towel head. You know all the words to the touchdown song and sing them with pride.

Here's to you paper mache mask guy. You took being a fan one step further than everyone else.

Here's to you divided family. Parents with Raiders jersey's and kids with Texans jersey... no matter what you know that it will always be a long ride home.

Here's to you drunk chinese guy. Way to be pumped up about the astros.

Here's to the Astros ... way to pick it up in the end and make it to the playoffs!!! Go STROS!!

The Simple Life

2004-10-01T15:34:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that people always sit around and talk about how complicated their lives are. In fact, that's quite the topic of conversation. Its almost a competition to see who has it off the worst. So... In light of this, I've decided to de-complicate my life or simplify it for those of you that are grammar Nazis (Riz). In order to do this, I've decided to create three lists. One of people that don't cause me any complications whatsoever (the white list if you will) one of people that are definitely complicating my life (the black list) and one of people that are on the bubble. These are people that could go either way. Eventually these people will either prove themselves to be simple or be black-listed forever. I haven't decided yet if I will notify people and tell them that they are on probation or just let them know once they are moved over to one of the lists. But, I am definitely going to start living the simple life!!

~Carrie

Songs by the Hollies

2004-09-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

Well a lot of you might not know this, but I take the bus to work almost every day. Its quite an amazing thing since I never rode the bus to school when I was younger, mainly because my mom thought that all trouble started on the bus. Anyway, everyday I get up and go to the bus station (which the rich people call a "Park and Ride" to make themselves feel better). I get on the bus and try to act like an adult. I read some or act like I'm deep in thought about my job or whatever it is that grownups think about. To tell the truth, usually I'm sitting there praying that I don't have a panic attack from the person that is sitting way too close to me and smells like bacon.

Aside from that, I like the bus. I especially like it in the afternoons. One of my favorite things is to sit at the bus stop and just watch people while I wait for my bus. I'll see buses stop and pick people up and then drive on to the next stop. Every once in a while, a bus will stop and let people on and I'll look down the street and there will be a grown man in a business suit running as fast as he can with his arms flailing about as if they were going to fall off. As he looks frantically at the bus and the light, praying that it won't turn green, people at the bus stop start yelling at the bus driver to hold the bus for the crazy running man (not to be confused with the dance move). The man will breeze past me and just make in time to get on and pay before the light turns green and the bus takes off to its next stop.

This always makes me smile, because I feel like man kind has joined together to accomplish a common goal. Then I think "maybe world peace can be achieved, if everyone just treated the world like one giant bus stop."

~Carrie

Dear Diary...

2004-09-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

When I was younger I always had ideas of keeping a diary. I always started out great and wrote down everything. Then, as the days passed by I suddenly lost track, until it was too late and I had to start all over again. So this is what has happened to my blog. I was planning on writing in it almost every day with whimsical stories and, well, you see how that has gone. But not to worry, a new post is coming soon... one that will be way better than this one.

~Carrie

So this internet thing looks like its here to stay...

2004-08-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

So this is my first "blog". You can probably tell by the way I used quotations around the word "blog". When everyone started this, I refused to give in because I thought it was just a fad, but I said the same thing about capri pants and look how that turned out. Anyway... for my first entry let me point out a few things.

First off, I'm not as funny as people think I am so don't be surprised if my entries are really boring.
Secondly, I'm a math person... so my spelling/grammer/punctuation might not be that great and, just between you and me, I don't really care. I work with numbers it doesn't matter what my words look like.

So now I'll tell you what I do for a living. A lot people think that I'm an Actuary, but I'm not. I'm an Actuarial Analyst. You might be asking your self... what is an Actuarial Analyst. Well, I'm going to tell you. Basically, I stare at spreadsheets all day long. OK not really. I do mathematical analysis on pension plans. Exciting huh? I also take exams so that someday I can be a real live Actuary. (doesn't my job sound exciting??)

Well this is my first entry. Hopefully they'll get better than this (I'm not sure it could get much worse), but this is the best I can do for a Friday morning.