There's this television show, Friday Night Lights. And for some reason, Matt and I decided it would be something good for us to watch together. We put it on our Netflix que. We both are now FNL addicts to the core.
One character in particular had really struck my interest. His name is Tim Riggins and hello! he's totally my new celeb crush. But seriously, beyond watching that hottie for an hour or so, the show is pretty good. If you're into Texas, football, highschool drama, and learning lessons, check it out!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
A Day to Remember
December 29th will always be a special day of importance for me. On this date in 2003, my friend and sister in law, Carrie, had a lung transplant.
Carrie was diagnosed with a rare lung disease called Primary Pulmonary Hypertension in 1997. She was told that she only had a couple of years to live. Fortunately, she made it much longer than that. Through countless doctors visits, procedures, administration of medicine and hospital stays she prevailed until her lungs had reached their end. She was placed on the waiting list to receive a donor set of lungs.
Early in the morning, seven years ago, I got a call from my then boyfriend. He told me that lungs had been found for his sister and that he would pick me up in fifteen minutes to head to San Francisco where Carrie was hospitalized and where the transplant would be performed.
December 29th, 2003 was a day of many up and down emotions. I'd find my self overcome with joy and excitement one minute, and then a bundle of nerves and anxiety and fear the next. If I were a gambling woman, I'd be willing to bet that everyone else felt the same way.
When the doctors took Carrie in to receive her new lungs, a lead weight was placed on all of our shoulders. For hours we waited. And then, just as quickly as the process had begun, it was over. She spent a few days in ICU, and then was moved to a regular patient floor of the hospital. When she was released to go home, the doctors allowed her to walk out the front doors on her own.
Since that day, Carrie has continued to amaze everyone around her. She skis, wake boards, travels, gardens and enjoys all types of animals. She is an inspiration to each person that she comes into contact with and I could not be more honored to call her not only my friend, but my family.
One aspect of this whole experience that still causes my eyes to well up with tears that sting is a young man named Joel Hanson. He was a sixteen year old kid who had just celebrated a great Christmas with his family. On a Saturday afternoon while at a friends house, he was shot in the head. His parents chose to have him be an organ donor and this is the reason that Carrie is here today. Every time she coughs, sneezes, or blows up an inflatable tube on the boat, I think of Joel. And I thank his family for giving us the gift of life.
Carrie was diagnosed with a rare lung disease called Primary Pulmonary Hypertension in 1997. She was told that she only had a couple of years to live. Fortunately, she made it much longer than that. Through countless doctors visits, procedures, administration of medicine and hospital stays she prevailed until her lungs had reached their end. She was placed on the waiting list to receive a donor set of lungs.
Early in the morning, seven years ago, I got a call from my then boyfriend. He told me that lungs had been found for his sister and that he would pick me up in fifteen minutes to head to San Francisco where Carrie was hospitalized and where the transplant would be performed.
December 29th, 2003 was a day of many up and down emotions. I'd find my self overcome with joy and excitement one minute, and then a bundle of nerves and anxiety and fear the next. If I were a gambling woman, I'd be willing to bet that everyone else felt the same way.
When the doctors took Carrie in to receive her new lungs, a lead weight was placed on all of our shoulders. For hours we waited. And then, just as quickly as the process had begun, it was over. She spent a few days in ICU, and then was moved to a regular patient floor of the hospital. When she was released to go home, the doctors allowed her to walk out the front doors on her own.
Since that day, Carrie has continued to amaze everyone around her. She skis, wake boards, travels, gardens and enjoys all types of animals. She is an inspiration to each person that she comes into contact with and I could not be more honored to call her not only my friend, but my family.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
HAWAII!
Still playing catch up and want to tell you about our Hawaiian vacation....
On November 4, we went to Oahu with Matt's sister Carrie and her husband Zach. We always have such a great time with these two, and were super excited to have a whole week to spend with them (and each other) in Hawaii.
Activities during our trip were vast. We laid on Waikiki Beach the first day and read and talked and ate and drank and relaxed. It was a nice start to the vacation. We drove to the North Shore of the island where many famous surfers live and participate in the sport. While there, we saw the famous pipeline beach.
One morning we snorkeled at Hanauma Bay. The history of this place is pretty interesting. And the snorkeling was amazing. It was also a very pretty, wind protected beach to be lazy on.
Downtown Waikiki was pretty cool. There were tons of shops and neat restaurants. One night, Matt and I ate at the Top of Waikiki. I had duck and a VERY tasty martini and Matt had a rib eye and a scotch. It was such a nice view to enjoy a romantic dinner!
One of my favorite parts of the trip was visiting Pearl Harbor. We were able to take a short boat ride out to the Arizona memorial. It was incredibly eery to be standing over the ship where so many lost their lives defending our country. I still get chills just thinking about it.
Here are some pictures of our fun times....
On November 4, we went to Oahu with Matt's sister Carrie and her husband Zach. We always have such a great time with these two, and were super excited to have a whole week to spend with them (and each other) in Hawaii.
Activities during our trip were vast. We laid on Waikiki Beach the first day and read and talked and ate and drank and relaxed. It was a nice start to the vacation. We drove to the North Shore of the island where many famous surfers live and participate in the sport. While there, we saw the famous pipeline beach.
One morning we snorkeled at Hanauma Bay. The history of this place is pretty interesting. And the snorkeling was amazing. It was also a very pretty, wind protected beach to be lazy on.
Downtown Waikiki was pretty cool. There were tons of shops and neat restaurants. One night, Matt and I ate at the Top of Waikiki. I had duck and a VERY tasty martini and Matt had a rib eye and a scotch. It was such a nice view to enjoy a romantic dinner!
One of my favorite parts of the trip was visiting Pearl Harbor. We were able to take a short boat ride out to the Arizona memorial. It was incredibly eery to be standing over the ship where so many lost their lives defending our country. I still get chills just thinking about it.
Here are some pictures of our fun times....
Monday, December 27, 2010
Where Have I Been???
Ah, 9 (yes, NINE) weeks have passed since I updated my poor, lonely blog. No wonder I never have any comments. I'm undependable!! I wish I had a good excuse, but I don't. All that I can say is I am human. However, I have been out experiencing some things to blog about!
Today, let's just talk about Christmas since that was the most recent event. We always tend to have busy holidays, but Christmas probably takes the cake. We began our festivities on the evening of the 23rd at Matt's Dad's home. Helen cooked a yummy dinner and we exchanged gifts with the step siblings. It's always a great night celebrating with that branch of the family and I love starting off the holiday there.
Friday morning (Christmas Eve) we always have brunch at my Mom's house. It was nice to be "home" for the morning and to spend some time with my Mom, her friend Bill, my brother, his friend Shaundra, and of course, my awesome husband.
Christmas Eve we headed over to Matt's Mom's home. She made a great dinner and then we did a gift exchange with everyone. About 11 that night, Matt and I returned home and gave one another presents. He spoiled me yet again - as did everyone else. Here are some of the things that I was SO excited to receive:
Christmas morning we have started a tradition of going to our neighbors home for breakfast. They have a 12 year old and a four year old and it's so much fun to watch them open Santa presents. That afternoon, we went to my cousin's house for a couple of hours and then finished off the day flopping on our couch!!!
I am thankful every single day of the year for what I have. My wonderful family, my friends, my home, health, job and so, so much more. On Christmas though, I couldn't help but be constantly reminded of just how very blessed I am.
My wish is that each person reading this also had a wonderful holiday with their loved ones : )
Today, let's just talk about Christmas since that was the most recent event. We always tend to have busy holidays, but Christmas probably takes the cake. We began our festivities on the evening of the 23rd at Matt's Dad's home. Helen cooked a yummy dinner and we exchanged gifts with the step siblings. It's always a great night celebrating with that branch of the family and I love starting off the holiday there.
Friday morning (Christmas Eve) we always have brunch at my Mom's house. It was nice to be "home" for the morning and to spend some time with my Mom, her friend Bill, my brother, his friend Shaundra, and of course, my awesome husband.
Christmas Eve we headed over to Matt's Mom's home. She made a great dinner and then we did a gift exchange with everyone. About 11 that night, Matt and I returned home and gave one another presents. He spoiled me yet again - as did everyone else. Here are some of the things that I was SO excited to receive:
Christmas morning we have started a tradition of going to our neighbors home for breakfast. They have a 12 year old and a four year old and it's so much fun to watch them open Santa presents. That afternoon, we went to my cousin's house for a couple of hours and then finished off the day flopping on our couch!!!
I am thankful every single day of the year for what I have. My wonderful family, my friends, my home, health, job and so, so much more. On Christmas though, I couldn't help but be constantly reminded of just how very blessed I am.
My wish is that each person reading this also had a wonderful holiday with their loved ones : )
Thursday, October 21, 2010
SLO
I've written before how I need to do some catch up posts. One in particular is a post about a weekend trip the hubs and I took in August.
Matt went to college at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. When we started dating, he took me there as part of the wooing process. I promptly fell in love with the area. Since then, we make it a point to take a long weekend and make the drive there at least once a year.
Matt went to college at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. When we started dating, he took me there as part of the wooing process. I promptly fell in love with the area. Since then, we make it a point to take a long weekend and make the drive there at least once a year.
Our last trip was a good one. We hiked to the top of Mount Madonna. Well actually, I hiked and Matt rode his bike.
We went downtown for dinner and cocktails that night. There is a landmark in the downtown area called Bubble Gum Alley.
Finally, Matt had just acquired a new toy before our trip, so he thought it would be fun to lug it down to the Pismo dunes and play.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Nike Women's Half Marathon
Last Sunday, I crossed one of my 30 by 30 items off. I ran (and finished!) a half marathon!
This run is held in San Francisco. About 20,000 runners participate in this run every year and this year I was one of them. A group of friends and I have been training since July to achieve this goal. It was amazing to cross that finish line after working so hard for so long. My goal time was 3 hours or less and I finished in 2 hours and 48 minutes. Yay me!
This run is held in San Francisco. About 20,000 runners participate in this run every year and this year I was one of them. A group of friends and I have been training since July to achieve this goal. It was amazing to cross that finish line after working so hard for so long. My goal time was 3 hours or less and I finished in 2 hours and 48 minutes. Yay me!
There was a race expo leading up to Sunday in Union Square. There is a Nike store that has all the names of the runners written on the side of the building. Pretty cool!
Matt and I the night before the run....
Some friends and I made shirts to run in.....
Tiffany and I after the run.....
It was a wonderful experience and I can't wait to do it again!!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Fun and News
The first, and most important piece of information that I have today is that my good friend Bonnie had a baby last night. She's one of those that doesn't find out if it's a boy or a girl ahead of time, so this birth was very much exciting. She had a little boy. He was 21 inches long and weighed 9 lbs 4.7 oz. His name is Beckett. Love him already : )
Last weekend was a good one. Friday we went to dinner with Matt's Dad and Step-mom. We went to a local place called Morrison's. It's a restaurant and bar that has been family owned and operated for almost 30 years. Unfortunately, the economy has gotten the better of them and they are shutting their doors this week. We wanted to make it a point to go and have a "last meal" of sorts as there are many good memories for me there. My friend Michelle is the daughter and niece of the owners and I'm so sad for all of them.
Saturday night we went to a local Oktoberfest. It was fun!! I had some Jaeger and beer and sausage and was one happy girl! (See my previous post about WW. Um, yeah good thing I started yesterday and not before the weekend!)
Sunday my running girls and I made shirts to wear when we run a half marathon next weekend. Then I watched the Giants lose with my in laws. But then they won last night so it's okay.
I don't have any pictures to commemorate any of this because I am lame. That is all.
Last weekend was a good one. Friday we went to dinner with Matt's Dad and Step-mom. We went to a local place called Morrison's. It's a restaurant and bar that has been family owned and operated for almost 30 years. Unfortunately, the economy has gotten the better of them and they are shutting their doors this week. We wanted to make it a point to go and have a "last meal" of sorts as there are many good memories for me there. My friend Michelle is the daughter and niece of the owners and I'm so sad for all of them.
Saturday night we went to a local Oktoberfest. It was fun!! I had some Jaeger and beer and sausage and was one happy girl! (See my previous post about WW. Um, yeah good thing I started yesterday and not before the weekend!)
Sunday my running girls and I made shirts to wear when we run a half marathon next weekend. Then I watched the Giants lose with my in laws. But then they won last night so it's okay.
I don't have any pictures to commemorate any of this because I am lame. That is all.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
WW
Yeah, I'm gonna try it. Weight Watchers. I've probably said that on here before. We'll see if it works. I've decided I'll start Monday. REALLY. And with all the running I've been doing to train for that 1/2 marathon, I'd reckon that I'll see at least a little bit of a change. Don't ya think?
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
A Good Friend of Mine
Last night, I had dinner with this pretty girl:
She's been my friend since we were three. We met at preschool, she was snail hunting and I had probably just finished picking my nose. It was a match made in heaven.
Here we are being us:
She was in my wedding. She did a good job. She even made the ribbon/bow bouquet at my bridal shower. Here's the proof:
And here we are on the back of the boat together. (Note the guy at the front of the boat with the Mohawk who would later become my husband.)
Last night, at dinner, Shara told me she reads my blog. I got pissed at her for not commenting. Then I thanked her for reading my blog, told her how to leave a comment, and said a couple of hail Mary's that she would be kind in her comments. I guess we'll see.
Love ya girl : )
She's been my friend since we were three. We met at preschool, she was snail hunting and I had probably just finished picking my nose. It was a match made in heaven.
Here we are being us:
She was in my wedding. She did a good job. She even made the ribbon/bow bouquet at my bridal shower. Here's the proof:
And here we are on the back of the boat together. (Note the guy at the front of the boat with the Mohawk who would later become my husband.)
Last night, at dinner, Shara told me she reads my blog. I got pissed at her for not commenting. Then I thanked her for reading my blog, told her how to leave a comment, and said a couple of hail Mary's that she would be kind in her comments. I guess we'll see.
Love ya girl : )
Thursday, September 30, 2010
I Could Get Used to This
Yesterday, I didn't return to work after leaving mid morning for school. I decided that with the way things have been at the office lately, I needed an afternoon to be away from it all and have some "me" time.
Funny how a few years ago, "me" time would have meant a pedicure, shopping, maybe a day at the beach, a massage, etc. I still do these things on occasion, but now I can easily think of some "me" time as getting my laundry done, wearing my puppies out, or flopping on the couch to watch a favorite television show. Speaking of which, does anyone else feel like a TV addict this time of year, or is it just me?
Anyway, I had a solid 4 hours of alone time and all I really accomplished was laundry. But boy, does it feel good to know that I don't have to wash anything this weekend. Ha! Here's to some "me" time every now and again!
Funny how a few years ago, "me" time would have meant a pedicure, shopping, maybe a day at the beach, a massage, etc. I still do these things on occasion, but now I can easily think of some "me" time as getting my laundry done, wearing my puppies out, or flopping on the couch to watch a favorite television show. Speaking of which, does anyone else feel like a TV addict this time of year, or is it just me?
Anyway, I had a solid 4 hours of alone time and all I really accomplished was laundry. But boy, does it feel good to know that I don't have to wash anything this weekend. Ha! Here's to some "me" time every now and again!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
A Little Fun!
For my post today, I stole the following from another blog. Thanks E! And if you don't already read her blog, you really should. It's great : )
I Always...
Start my weekdays by checking my email and facebook
Plan at least 2 dinners to make for the week
Wash my hair first in the shower
Kiss my husband goodnight
Plan ahead
Try to be empathetic to others
Feel guilty when I don't exercise
Miss my Dad
I Sometimes...
Cry when I am angry
Long to be a kid again
Let myself have some "me" time
Want to be a doctor
Wish I had gone to a four year college
Do google searches of myself
Drink wine while I cook dinner
Want to move
Read cookbooks for fun
I Never...
Stop encouraging my family and friends
Go grocery shopping without a list
Go to sleep without taking a shower
Want to stop having fun : )
File my fingernails
Wash my own car
Am happy when it's a Monday morning (unless it's Labor Day or Memorial day!!)
I Always...
Start my weekdays by checking my email and facebook
Plan at least 2 dinners to make for the week
Wash my hair first in the shower
Kiss my husband goodnight
Plan ahead
Try to be empathetic to others
Feel guilty when I don't exercise
Miss my Dad
I Sometimes...
Cry when I am angry
Long to be a kid again
Let myself have some "me" time
Want to be a doctor
Wish I had gone to a four year college
Do google searches of myself
Drink wine while I cook dinner
Want to move
Read cookbooks for fun
I Never...
Stop encouraging my family and friends
Go grocery shopping without a list
Go to sleep without taking a shower
Want to stop having fun : )
File my fingernails
Wash my own car
Am happy when it's a Monday morning (unless it's Labor Day or Memorial day!!)
Monday, September 27, 2010
30 by 30 Check In
Six months ago, I made a list of 30 things that I would like to achieve by the time I turn 30 years old. E is hosting this blog party, so if you want to participate head on over to her blog and link up. Today, we are updating everyone on our lists:
1. Run a half marathon (I will be running in the Nike Women's Half Marathon on October 17th. I achieved a run of 12 miles this last Saturday - GO ME!)
2. Begin (and hopefully finish) nursing school (I submitted my first application to nursing school September 1st. I will find out on December 10th if I've been accepted)
3. Visit New Orleans again
4. Go backpacking at Five Lakes Basin
5. Grow a garden
6. Become a wake boarder
7. Hike Bishops Peak
8. Bake something from scratch
9. Organize all of my photos and place into albums
10. De-clutter and simplify my home
11. Take a California road trip
12. Learn yoga and meditation
13. Go wine tasting
14. See a Broadway show
15. Compile a cookbook of all of my favorite recipes (I've started gathering recipes for this)
16. Learn to drive and launch our boat (The driving part is about 70% complete)
17. Have one day of shopping where I buy whatever I want
18. Visit Las Vegas
19. Treat my Mom to a spa day
20. Play a round of golf with my husband
21. Eat rattlesnake
22. Learn to barbecue (I've grilled a few things now....ahi, Pioneer Woman's Tequila Lime Chicken, and a london broil. My husband has been a good teacher.)
23. Open a retirement fund
24. Get reacquainted with the piano
25. Landscape our backyard
26. Go to an amusement park with my husband
27. Learn to make my own green cleaning solutions
28. Ride a trail on my bike (Done on 9/18/10 up in Lake Tahoe. It was a 7 mile trail along the Truckee river.)
29. Find a skin care regimen (I've started moisturizing daily. Still need to find a night cream that I like and maybe an exfoliating scrub that doesn't dry my skin out.)
30. Reinvent my wardrobe (I've started this, and have realized that it's gonna take a while!)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Show Us Your Life - Master Bedrooms
Today over at Kelly's Korner, she is hosting Show Us Your Life. The topic is master bedrooms.
I posted about this a few months ago after I redecorated our bedroom. Please go here to read that post and see our bedroom : )
I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!
I posted about this a few months ago after I redecorated our bedroom. Please go here to read that post and see our bedroom : )
I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Midweek Laughs
E over at E, Myself and I has started a new thing every Wednesday. Head on over to her blog to give your two cents on this weeks topic.
What makes you laugh about MEN'S FASHION?!?!?
1. Suspenders. I mean, really? What's wrong with a simple, classic belt? Don't they serve the same purpose? Sidenote: This does exclude the hot firefighters that wear those sexy suspenders for super important things like, you know, calendar shoots and such.
2. Socks with sandals. Oh yeah. I said it. I'll give you a second to recover......you okay? Um yeah, this is just unacceptable in every situation. If your feet need to be fully covered, just wear shoes please.
3. The crooked baseball hat. I know, I know....Tyler on Teen Mom does it, so it must be cool right? Wrong!! Very, very wrong.
4. Sagging. Really yo? I don't want to see your a$$. And neither does the rest of the world. So go buy some pants that fit right mmmmmmkay?
5. Stripes on plaid. It's just not okay. Ever.
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