I Want to Be Friends With Gladys

I stole this from my friend Jessica's blog. Enjoy...

Red Dresses and Toys

I woke up this morning and although I was a bit hungover from last night, I felt GREAT!

Today is day ONE of my two week vacation. Now, I know that I would have had Saturday off of work regardless, but it still feels great to wake up when I want to and know that I will have two weeks worth of these days. It is borderline AMAZING!

I'm not going to waste it either...

So far, since I got off work last night, I've finished 1/2 of the Red Dress Run last night. Ran into an old friend and her husband randomly on the street, hugged them both, and hoped we'd get together soon. Danced into the wee hours of the night with some of my dearest friends and my sweetie. Well, he wasn't technically dancing, but he was there with me. Bought and donated toys to the Austin's Children's Shelter. Made a trip to the bank, a phone call to my sister-in-law, and am now about to buckle down and tackle some of my chores around the house.

This is going to be a great vacation!

I Am Thankful For...

a man who loves me.



good friends.

Day One

Gareth left for a camping trip with his buddy yesterday morning.

The last time Gareth went on a trip without me, I called him every night. Some nights, grouchy. Some nights, in tears.

This was my conclusion when Gareth got home...

"We have rats in our attic and you're paying for the exterminator." and...
"The next time you leave me alone, we had better have a security system!"

Gareth paid for the exterminator the week he returned. It was a long process, but yesteday was the last follow up visit and I am happy to say...we no longer have rats running around in our attic. Check.

We haven't talked about it since September, so I was pleasantly surprised that he remembered. For my birthday -- he bought a security system for the house. He installed it on Sunday. Check. Check.

Here is what I did last night, day one without Gareth...
-drinks and appetizers at Ranch 616
-drive thru Taco Cabana
-watch Dan in Real Life from my couch
-set my new alarm
-fall asleep in my bed, peacefully

...zero angry/tearful phone calls to my fiance. Yay.

I'm not sure if he did all of that because he loves me so much?!? Or if he was just tired of the annoying phone calls from me?? Either way...

Thank you, honey!

Inspiration

When I read the quote below, my mind conjures difficult memories from my past. These words, though, also provide encouraging motivation for the road that lies ahead...

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."

-Albert Einstein

Random Thoughts

The past couple of weeks have been overwhelming for me for a number of different reasons. I have thought about blogging several times, but could never quite find the right balance...

TMI vs. nothing special

I've decided to throw a bunch of random thoughts out there just to get rolling again...

* Work has been hard for me lately, but I'm learning to take care better of myself and it's getting better.

* Change is hard -- even if the change is good.

* I have started my own business with Arbonne (on the side) and I am so happy I did!

* Wedding plans have stalled out for now. In August, Gareth was asking me when I was going to stop talking about wedding plans. When work picked up in September, he got his wish. Then last night, he asked me when I was going to post the hotel info on our web-site...so which bride does he want?! It made me giggle.

* I have really fun friends, and they are pretty great!

* It has been a long time since I was a child, but there are some things that I am only just now standing up for myself about...and it feels really good.

* It is sometimes hard for me to do the dishes or fold the laundry or go to the grocery store. It's just hard to get going sometimes.

* I have made a lot of progress with my exercise/nutrition but have let it slip lately. I need to get on that.

* I like a good drink, a good laugh, and a good party.

My calendar today: "Whoever gets us for a friend or partner is a lucky person. Our rough edges are just possibilities for growth."

Very true.

It Is The Beginning

Last night marked the end of an election, but...
It was also the beginning, and now I have hope.

My Life

To borrow an expression I heard last week...

"It's time to put my big girl panties on!"
...and take my life back. It is time.

The Perfect Day

Success

I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.

-Frank Lloyd Wright

FNL at ACL

The Austin City Limits Music Festival was amazing this year.

I saw some great music, spent time with good friends, and met new ones. The weather was great!  I lucked out and got a hook-up on tickets (and an open bar).  We found an impromptu dance party on Barton Springs, ate fried food one night and tex-mex the next.

Of all the fantastic things that happened this weekend, here is my FAVORITE...


These handsome, young men are actors from one of Gareth and I's favorite TV shows!  Both were kind and gracious, and didn't hesitate to indulge my request for a photo...and I loved it.

Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can't lose!  

A Numbers Game

I'm not ashamed to share these...

September 2007
Weight = 168 lbs.
Body Fat % = 34%

October 2008
Weight = 157 lbs.
Body Fat % = 27%

What have I been doing differently?

-Personal Training 2x per week
-Cardio 1-2x per week (aiming for 3x)
-Omega 3 Fish Oil supplements
-Eating in "The Zone": balancing protein, carbs, fat
-Eating all 3 meals + 2 snacks (i.e. not skipping meals)

Okay, I haven't been doing all of these things all the time, which is why it's taken a full year to get my results. Still, slow and steady, adjusting one thing at a time, I'm getting somewhere.

I'm really happy with the numbers! Woo hoo!
(and I hope I don't blow it this weekend...)

Two Years

Tonight, to celebrate two years together, Gareth and I rode our bikes downtown for dinner at a cute little wine bar. Mulberry. We had a great time enjoying the perfect Austin weather. Exercising. Catching up with one another (okay -- mostly him listening to me, but still!), and toasting to our relationship.

Gareth is a wonderful man. It has been the best two years of my life!

Battered (Soon-To-Be) Husband

Gareth is taking some time off from mountain biking right now.

Here's why...

Three accidents in ten days and he's a little beaten up.

Facebook Clarity

I signed up for a Facebook account, half-heartedly, a few months ago...maybe six. It didn't even take 24 hours before I had a friend from high school "friend" me. In the single request, I was hooked.

142 friends later...

Two friends found me recently. Friends I knew from college. Friends I knew, it seems, an entire lifetime ago. Friends who really never knew ME.

It has me thinking about that period of my life...

How badly I wanted to be included.

How terrified I was of others' opinions of me.

How much that fear controlled my life.

How little I really knew myself.

One divorce, a handful of jobs, plenty of happy hours, and two marathons later, it has me thinking something else, too...

Today, I love the person I am!

...regardless of whether anyone else does.

Back to Balance

Because of the demands of work the past two weeks, I've chosen to give up my workouts.  I haven't been to the gym, and aside from the Human Race 10K, I haven't even thought about getting in a cardio workout.  

Tomorrow that changes.  I can't wait!

I ran into Adrien, literally, along the course of the 10K yesterday night and all I could think to tell her was how much I missed her and need her!  Tomorrow I am back to my twice a week workouts and cardio (she tells me I need 3 times a week, but so far I've only managed to find 2 times a week...still working on this).  

I've been working out like this for nearly one year.  It has been the best change in my life that I could have made.  I have never felt healthier or more fit in my life.  It keeps me sane.  It keeps me balanced.

I've lost some ground these past two weeks, but can't wait to get back tomorrow!  Adrien, I'll see you at 8:00am.

ESTP

I took the Myers-Briggs personality type survey last week at a professional training workshop.  This was my first time, but I'm told that oftentimes people will show differing results during different periods in their lives.  

Here are my results from last week...

Extrovert-Sensing-Thinking-Perceiving

Matter-of fact, do not worry or hurry, enjoy whatever comes along.  Tend to like mechanical things and sports, with friends on the side.  May be a bit blunt or insensitive.  Adaptable, tolerant, generally conservative in values. Dislike long explanations.  Are best with real things that can be worked, handled, taken apart or put together.

I Almost Forgot...

I've been trying to pay attention lately to being happy.

...what if feels like to be happy.
...what makes me feel happy.

At closing time on Saturday night, I found myself on a ROCKIN' dance floor. I had almost forgotten how much I love a good DJ. How much fun it can be on the dance floor with good friends and good music!

So...thank you to my fun friends, my new friends and the kick-ass DJ playing at the Red Fez last Saturday! I almost forgot it could make me so happy, and then...you reminded me.

Colorado Silliness

GREAT Advice

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.

—Mark Twain

Long Distance Relationships

I left Omaha, NE for Austin, TX 14 years ago this month.

My parents still live in my hometown and my brother and sister-in-law are a few hours South in Olate, KS. One of the questions I get quite a bit once friends learn that I live so far from home is, "how often do you see your family?"

Considering it takes between 10-15 hours to drive from Austin, I think it's quite a bit. See what we've done this year...

Surprise! It's John's Birthday

Memorial Day

Cousin Lindsay's Wedding

...and the year isn't over yet!

Heavenly Yumminess

I spent about 20 minutes two weeks ago glued to Mike's blog. He was posting a minute by minute account of his Polkadots Cupcakes experience.

I was smitten.

Immediately starting to scheme -- when would I be able to taste my first Polkadots cupcake? As luck would have it, I only had to wait one day....




They were all y-u-u-u-mmy!

My favorite was Caramel Toffee Bites.
Gareth's favorite was Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
We're both looking forward to our 2nd trip.

Thanks Mike!

Wedding in San Fran

Gareth and I flew to San Francisco last weekend to witness my cousin Lindsay's wedding and celebrate with her and my family!

We enjoyed the city and our adventures exploring together. Lindsay's wedding was beautiful and fun! Plus, we got to spend lots of time (meeting) visiting and catching up with family.

There were a few bumps along the road...

Humongous hills
Managing public transportation without losing my luggage
Parking
Tourist traps "from hell"

But ultimately, there were no complaints. It was a great trip.
Enjoy a few pics...

Postcard from New Zealand

My friend Sarah has been in New Zealand for just over one month. She is a marine biologist who recently took a research opportunity around the world.

These are the most recent photos that she's shared with her friends.






Enjoy your adventure, friend!

...and hurry home. I miss you!!

Road Trip!

Gareth and I loaded up the truck and drove from Austin, TX to Destin, FL a couple of weekends ago. One of our friends planned a wedding on the beach and we took the opportunity to spend a few days out of town together.

We are becoming more compatible travel partners with every trip we take together...

I am learning that he likes to pack his days with activities and make sure to take in all that the destination has to offer. He is learning that I like to sleep late and spend most of my time relaxing. We are getting good at finding a good balance between these two places.

Enjoy these photos...

packed to the gills

a day at the beach

who would have thought that the two of us would feel SMALL

me and my HANDSOME guy

Marathon. Marathon?

A big THANK YOU to Gareth's friend Scott for sharing his talent in photography with me. He took these pics at this year's Austin Marathon.

I got a little teary-eyed as I clicked through the photos that told the story of my 26.2 miles, and...I was surprised to see how often I managed to flash a smile. I don't remember smiling that much!

Still can't decide if I ever want to do this again...

T Minus 365 Days

...and counting.

Last weekend, someone asked Gareth and I how long we'd been married. He was a new friend who noticed my ring, but didn't know us very well. Gareth and I exchanged looks and laughed.

I answered, "We've been married for -1 years."

Today!

Left Lane Frustrations

Gareth and I returned from a road trip last Sunday night. I only took the wheel for about 25% of the time, but man do I have a bone to pick in those few hours in the driver's seat!

Who is forgetting to teach our drivers proper ettiquette (and law in some states) about driving in the left lane?!

Apparently, I am not alone in my frustrations with these slow-poke left lane drivers. See here and here.

Please help educate the drivers of America...

Teach your teenagers to use the left lane for passing. Tell your parents, tell your friends, tell the guy sitting in the cubicle next to yours: Slower drivers should drive in the right lane.

These are the rules I use when I am driving on the highway:
1-If no one else is on the road, I drive in the right lane.
2-If I am about to turn right, I drive in the right lane.
3-If I am about to turn left, I drive in the left lane.
4-If I am driving slower than the people around me (and 3 does not apply), I drive in the right lane.
5-If I am driving faster than the people around me (and 2 does not apply), I drive in the left lane.
6-If I am driving in the left lane and have zoned out -- then suddenly realize that I am being passed on the right, I take the next available opportunity to move over to the right lane.

I am not normally described by my friends as a "fast driver". I am actually more frequently described as "grandma" or a "deliberate driver", but I CANNOT stand driving on the highway with people who do not know how to use the left lane.

Can I get some support on this one?!

My Stand-Up Dad

Doesn't every daughter think her father is the funniest man in the world?

From the time I was a young girl, my Dad and I have been laughing together. Most of the time, it's Dad trying to make me laugh.

He must have been a good teacher though, because here are some photos of me (at 2 years-old) trying to make him laugh...















As I got older, we would banter back and forth at the kitchen table.

His signature move is a laugh that's so hard he can't breathe. Veins start to pop out of his head and all you hear is one loud exhale and then silence. Just witnessing Dad laughing like that is enough to send me into hysterics.

As an adult, I found out that Dad once had a dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. I was surprised to hear that at the time, but as I spent more time thinking about my childhood, I could clearly see my Dad's humor. Sometimes it is merely an attempt at humor! (wink)

I must have taken this for granted.

You mean, every father doesn't try to make his family laugh like that?!

Even as a grown woman, there is noone who can make me laugh more genuinely than my Dad. Just the other week, I was on the phone with him at work. It was only a 5 minute phone call to check on something I had delivered to the house. In 5 minutes my Dad made me laugh. Out loud. Hard. I was almost crying.

So on this Father's Day weekend Dad, I want to thank you for making me laugh. For teaching me the importance of laughing. For being silly enough that you never really care whether someone is laughing at you or with you. Either way you've made someone laugh and that is a good thing.


Here's to many more moments to laugh together!

Love,
your witty (read: smart-ass) daughter

His World

One of the things that Gareth and I are talking about a lot lately is finding things to share with each other...

He has patent agent stuff, volleyball, golf, and mountain biking (all things that I don't do). I have academic counseling stuff, running, Bachelor night, and now softball (all things that he doesn't do). We are talking about trying an adventure race together sometime, but the only other thing we share is...well, in Gareth's words, "thank God for Guitar Hero!"

Until we find more than Guitar Hero to do together, both of us will have to sacrifice and enter one another's worlds on occasion.

We recently went on a trip to scout destinations for our wedding in Estes Park, CO. While we were there, I had the chance to enter his world.

Estes Park is a hop, skip, and a jump from Rocky Mountain National Park, so we went hiking together...



Gareth talked to me about the reasons he loves the mountains. I snapped this photo just after he told me, "Babe, this is romantic to me"...


Not necessarily what I would have chosen to do with my day, but I ended up having a great time -- and I was so glad to have shared the day with my mountain man.



It was a good thing too, because Guitar Hero wouldn't have fit in our luggage!

Coyote Nights

Eight years ago, life as I knew it was very different than life as I know it today.

Crazy as it sounds, the night that I saw Coyote Ugly all those years ago, something changed.

In the movie, I saw powerful women taking charge of their lives. Living painfully at times, but really, truly living life. It struck a chord with me because I wasn't living powerfully.

I went to the show with two girlfriends. Jessica and Shari. In the months that followed, the three of us would go out for "Coyote Nights". These nights always involved alcohol, and oftentimes we would find ourselves dancing or just out on the town.

Since those times, I have mastered the art of going out and finding fun, but I still remember those first "Coyote Nights" fondly.

Coyote Ugly has been showing on cable the past couple of weeks and it brought these fun memories to mind.

Who Needs Sleep?

Today I met with a doctor from The Sleep Disorders Center here in town.

Recently, a friend of mine was diagnosed with narcolepsy. As she shared her story, I saw my own life played out in her symptoms.

Tired. Never feeling like I had enough sleep. Could fall asleep anywhere.

I even went in to be tested for thyroid problems about 2 years ago because I was so fatigued all the time...

Today, I have an answer. I have narcolepsy. Just like my friend.

The doctor asked me about my childhood, about how I would take two naps a day for much longer than other children. He asked about junior high and high school, whether I would fall asleep in class or while studying. Ummm...yes. All the time. I told him that I thought I was tired from practice.

He asked me the most embarassing time that I've ever fallen asleep, and I told him about the time that I fell asleep in a booth at a live music event. The band was only a few feet from where I was sleeping and surprisingly, I hadn't been drinking.

He asked me about taking naps, and about how likely it is that I would fall asleep during different activities: reading, watching tv, sitting quietly. I had to tell him that in fact, I almost fell asleep in the waiting room.

His response, "it looks like you can't afford to sit still."

As I sat today, listening to the information on sleep disorders and the specific disorder he thought I had, tears came to my eyes. I was so relieved to finally know what was wrong! I will go back for a sleep study next month to find out more.

I have been lucky to have parents who understood the importance of sleep and napping. Never giving me a hard time about being tired. Gareth is great too, unless he wants me to get up and make breakfast ;-)

Sadly, not everyone in my life has been so forgiving. I have had coaches who thought I was lazy. Who thought that I slept too much. I have had friends and ex-boyfriends who thought I was inconsiderate.

Looks like they were all wrong.

Daily Inspiration

When we are afraid to be as great as we are, we never will be as great as we can be.

Gratitude

Today I am thankful for...

feeling appreciated
time spent with my sweetie
Friday Night Lights
sleep
a evening filled with good friends, conversation, and laughter
the anticipation of reconnecting over queso
good health
a stylish umbrella

People Are Stupider Than I Thought

I thought I had a right to be pissed about other people's stupidity.

I now realize I've got nothing.

Inspired

This has been a hard week for me.

Every day when I have walked into the office, I find that more problems are presented to me than I can find solutions for. I have also found myself unwittingly taking on the stress of my students, our part-time employees, and my co-workers. I am tired. Ready for the end of the semester.

This morning I arrived at the office with a much sunnier disposition,
...afterall today is the last day of school! Yay!!

It wasn't until I stumbled upon this story, though, that I felt inspired. Inspired for the first time in many days and weeks...

The pursuit of victory against a truly worthy opponent.
Thank you Mallory, for setting an example for us all.

What Have I Gotten Myself Into?

I'm meeting a friend tonight for Tex-Mex at one of my favorite spots - Vivo!

The catch? ...

She's also my personal trainer.

Margaritas.
Queso.
How is this gonna go over?

...Before You Understand Me

Thanks for the inspiration, Katie!

1. My first sport was soccer.
2. Before that I was a ballerina.
3. I had an imaginary friend when I was a young girl.
4. My parents thought it was a sign of intelligence.
5. His name was Bob.
6. I went to a Catholic grade school in Kindergarten and 1st grade.
7. We wore uniforms.
8. I am more competitive than the average person.
9. The only reason I learned how to swim is so my younger brother wouldn't win.
10. My favorite part of volleyball is blocking.
11. I am glad I don't play anymore.
12. I have a hard time keeping a clean house, but my car is almost always clean.
13. I still sleep with a blanket.
14. My favorite thing to do on a Friday after work is drink a margarita.
15. My favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon is drink a margarita.
16. I love my job.
17. I am not a workaholic.
18. When I was young, I had a stuffed animal named Cutie Footloose Jackson Patch.
19. My dad helped me name him.
20. My dad can be silly.
21. So can I.
22. The only place I've visited outside the United States is Australia.
23. I've been there twice.
24. Wait - I've been to Canada now, too.
25. I love the color burnt orange.
26. I am a Longhorn.
27. I went to school at Texas - twice.
28. I played volleyball at Texas.
29. I work for Texas.
30. I taught fifth grade for one year.
31. I hated it!
32. I admire teachers.
33. My mom has taught fifth (or sixth) grade for 30+ years.
34. I don't know how she does it.
35. I was born in Kansas City, MO.
36. I lived in South Sioux City, NE until I was in 2nd grade.
37. I grew up in Omaha, NE.
38. I have lived in Austin, TX now longer than I have lived anywhere else.
39. I've been here for almost 14 years.
40. I can be bossy.
41. I do not like to be bossed around.
42. I have run two marathons.
43. I don't really like to run.
44. But I discovered that most runners like to drink.
45. I have a nice smile.
46. I am tall.
47. Strangers sometimes tell me I am tall.
48. I am not a morning person.
49. Gareth told me this morning that I may be the worst morning person he's ever seen.
50. I think I have a sleep disorder.
51. I love to nap!
52. I have a mild obsession with Matchbox Twenty.
53. Really my obsession is with Rob Thomas.
54. I am not a stalker.
55. I love to have college football on the TV in the fall.
56. Even if it's just in the background.
57. I have lost 14 lbs. of fat in the last 8 months.
58. I like how it feels when I can fit into my clothes.
59. I may go down a pant size the next time I shop.
60. I don't like to procrastinate.
61. I do it anyway.
62. I have exceptional friends!
63. I like to say "yes".
64. I am not afraid to say "no".
65. I do not like bugs.
66. They scare me.
67. I like hip-hop music.
68. I like a good dj even better.
69. I visit the dentist religiously, twice a year.
70. I haven't had a cavity since I lived in Omaha.
71. Once, I had to have 8 cavities filled.
72. I am a romantic.
73. I love to watch a movie or read a book with a good love story.
74. I like to be funny.
75. I like it when my friends are funny.
76. My first bike was pink - with a basket, streamers, and a banana seat.
77. My road bike is yellow - like a banana.
78. I still count on my fingers.
79. I don't cook often.
80. Mainly because I don't like to go to the grocery store.
81. Every year, I love the first day of school.
82. The only thing better is the last day of school!
83. I like to talk about stuff.
84. Gareth has asked me before if I am ever going to stop talking.
85. I don't think I am.
86. I can type 70+ wpm (words per minute) without error.
87. It makes me feel pretty when I wear lip gloss.
88. I have a serious sweet tooth!
89. I can't resist cookies from Tiff's Treats.
90. I remember being afraid that I wouldn't learn to read.
91. I used to love going to the library!
92. I still love to read.
93. I love calendars!
94. I try not to have more than one.
95. I want an iPhone.
96. I love tex-mex food!
97. I could eat it every night of the week.
98. I have done it before.
99. I am a perfectionist who looks mainly at her faults.
100. I am trying to look at positives more often.

Daniel Tosh on Nebraska

I went to see the comedian Daniel Tosh with some of Gareth's friends last month. We enjoyed the show from the balconey of the Paramount Theatre.

I had seen a comedian at the Paramount Theatre before. Chelsey Handler. She was HILARIOUS! I was looking forward to another good show.

Coming off a stressful night of Texas basketball and work happy hours - and still workin' on a buzz, this guy did make me laugh.

That was until one of his jokes took a turn that I wasn't expecting. I was mid-laugh when it all came to an abrupt stop and I thought to myself...
"wait just a second! that's not funny!"

I looked around at Gareth and his friends, and they were all still laughing. No, this - this just isn't funny anymore. I kept listening though and at one point, try as I might, I couldn't help but laugh.

Truthfully, I still can't decide.

Here's a clip. If you know me, you'll know what I'm talking about.



What do you think? Funny? Or not?

What a Weekend!

My beautiful mother was in town this past weekend for a quick trip to Austin on the tail end of her spring break. She recently completed her treatment and was visiting to celebrate good health!

Here is a peek at our near 48 hours together, and then some...

Lady Bird Lake Trail
I picked Mom up from the airport on Friday morning. We grabbed a leisurely brunch at Austin Java before taking a stroll on the trail.


That night, and after a nap, Gareth joined us for dinner at an Austin favorite, then we opted to head home instead of hit the town. The three of us watched a movie then called it a night.

Art City Austin
Saturday - we slept in (well, kind of)!

Once Gareth was able to wake me up, the three of us had breakfast together at Star Seeds - just up the road. When our bellies were full, Gareth headed for the golf course, and my mom and I headed for Art City Austin.


I was hoping to run into Erin . I was certain she would be there because I know how much she loves art, but our paths never crossed.

My mom and I checked out ALL of the art on display. I've never really considered myself artistic, let alone an artist; however, I discovered that I am definitely drawn to certain pieces. Even though I wasn't able to describe what I liked or why I liked it...I definitely did like some things better than others. Maybe a good step toward art appreciation?

Later that evening, Gareth and I took my mom out for dinner. Ryan, Lilli, and Hank (Sharon, we missed you!) joined us at Castle Hill. Our dinner party toasted my mom's visit AND Gareth and I's future! We spent the night telling stories, laughing and piecing together the engagement.

Sunday
I was up not-so-bright and early to drop Mom off at the airport by 5:00am. She made her flight and I managed a few more hours of sleep before I went into the office. Sunday was our first day of registration.

That's right, I spent 5 1/2 hours of a gorgeous Austin Sunday at work.

When I emerged from Bellmont Hall that afternoon, I came face-to-face with the MS 150. Thousands of cyclists were riding from Houston to Austin last weekend and finishing their journey through campus - less that a mile from the finish.

One year ago, I was on that bike. It brought tears to my eyes to remember my own struggle as I peddled toward Austin. Not nearly as prepared as I should have been but refusing to give up...


Wow - what a weekend...what a year!

What Do I Want?

As I was listening to a podcast just a few days ago, the broadcaster asked her listeners to consider what it is that we truly want in life. To name it. Do I want a new car? Do I want to live in a certain neighborhood? Do I want to find love? Do I want to have a child?

What do I want? As I began to think about this question, something else (quite fantastic, I think) occurred to me.

About 5 years ago...

I had been working a series of jobs, each one leaving me unfulfilled. Ultimately I ended at a job as an administrative assistant. I preferred that title to "secretary" when I was asked the dreaded, "what do you do?" question.

While I met/worked for some wonderful people, none of these jobs were the right fit for me. I remember feeling lost as to the direction that I truly wanted to head. I also remember, though, that there were a few specific things that I used to name outloud when someone would ask me what I wanted to do...

1) My own office
2) Business cards with my name on them
3) A professional dress code

Simple, right? Well, until the age of 29, I did not have a single job that contained all three of these qualities at once.

It wasn't until the podcast that I went back to this version of "what I wanted". How exciting to remember - and then to realize that I had achieved my goal!

Now...what do I want next?

Geeked Out

One of Gareth and I's favorite shows to watch together is Beauty and the Geek. I am touched each week to see the growth in the show's participants, and it is not unusual for me to shed a tear before the end of the episode.

For anyone who is a reality show hater - this one actually has substance.

Gareth usually relates to the geeks, but he hears me remind him often that he is far too athletic, socially adept, or just plain cool to ever really have a shot at getting on the show. Most of the time, anyway ;-)

I prefer to identify with the beauties, but always take pride in answering the questions before the contestants even know what's being asked. Gareth gives me pats on the back each time.

Secretly, I know that he is also patting himself on the back for knowing the answer before I say it out loud!

So last night, after we watched our episode together...I learned how to add these fancy widgets (I think that's what their called) to my blog (all by myself!). I only just barely know how to work this html thing and still managed to add Library Thing and Flickr to my sidebar.

Last night the tables turned. I geeked out! Enjoy!

It Fits (Again)

I wore a shirt yesterday that I haven't been able to wear in two years!

The last time I even tried it on, I couldn't get it buttoned. I don't know why I even kept it in my closet, but now I'm glad that I did. It was a great feeling!!

No Joke

After 18 months together,
Gareth and I are going for it...


We're getting married!


Gareth made it official last night by giving me a ring. Then, we celebrated with dinner at Moonshine. It was perfect!


There will be many decisions that lie ahead as we put this party together. Thankfully, we have the biggest and most important one behind us. We decided on each other!

Attempted photographs of the (gorgeous) ring turned out horribly and would only ruin it. Sorry, but you'll just have to wait for the next time we're together to see the real deal!

The Other NCAA Tournament

I had the privilege of traveling with our Women's Basketball team this past weekend. Supporting them academically, as they represented Texas in the Women's NCAA Tournament.

We won Sunday night vs. Minnesota, but came up short the following Tuesday against UConn. Here I am (with my credentials and all) as we were leaving the arena on the last night.


I am smiling in this photo. Not because of the outcome of the game, but because after 5 days in Connecticut, I was going home!

As for the men, they are already in Houston...trying to make it to San Antonio. I will be cheering again this weekend...

Go Horns!

Baby Steps to the Kitchen

This is my attempt at a healthier and home-made dinner (well, mostly).

Mini-Meatloafs, with turkey instead of ground beef. Add some canned Whole Kernel Corn and I've thrown together a meal! I even heard Gareth mutter, "Wow, look at you cooking from scratch?!"


I can't forget the adult beverage for the evening. Notice that it was opened during the cooking...

Cheers!

Peer Pressure

...it gets me every time!

Mike: pub running?
me: not tonight getting ready to leave town for work tomorrow
but now that you just sent me this...i want to go.
you pub running?
Mike: sweet, see ya there!
me: ha
Mike: yeah, i think so.
well, have fun packing shampoo and stuff
me: uggg!
i'll call when i get off work...i'm a sucker for peer pressure.
i can at least show up for a beer or two.
Mike: ill send you the route...i probably wont have my phone
me: okay - sounds good.
btw, i'd like to join the i hate sprint club that you started.
i can't get service in my house
Mike: LOL
that sucks! time to switch
me: yea - just waiting for the contract to end in a couple of weeks.
i'll see you tonight!
Mike: cool

As usual, it was worth it! Which is why I continue to cave.

It was great to see these faces...

Mike, me, and Kerry

Panther and Banana

My Handy Man

Last night as we were crawling into bed, I happened to mention to Gareth that my closet doors weren't opening and closing very well. I only mentioned it casually, hoping to put it in his mental "to do" list for the future sometime. Before I could finish explaining what was going wrong, Gareth had jumped out of bed.

"I didn't mean that you had to fix it right this second!"

But I could already see the wheels turning in his head.

He was in the zone. Gareth gets this way when he is fixing things around the house. I could be standing inches from his face and speaking to him. Sadly, there will be no recognition that I am even alive, let alone in the same room with him.

I love to watch him like this (most of the time)! His first attempts don't always work, but I've never seen him give up on a project. Come hell or high water he is going to install the ceiling fan, level the dishwasher, calibrate the oven, hang the (many, many) shelves, replace the breaker, or fix the closet door. You can see his mind working - the focus, the concentration. Remarkable.

That's right, Gareth was on his way to get his tools and solve my closet problem. After about 15 minutes of unhinging doors, loosening screws, consulting his closet doors, aligning tracks, tightening screws, and rehinging doors...my closet doors were FIXED!

What a lucky girl!

Gratitude

Today I am thankful for...

Blue skies
Strong legs
A loving boyfriend
Clothes that have been put away after the wash
A clean kitchen
A view of our Capitol on my way to work
Coca-cola
Co-workers' smiles
Solutions that replace problems

A Trip to the Desert

Upcoming Shows

...that I'm gonna rock!

Willie Nelson
The Backyard
Sat, March 15th

Kanye West
Erwin Center
Wed, April 30th

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre
Tue, August 26th

--

Speaking of shows that rock...

I saw my 9th Matchbox Twenty concert this weekend in Dallas, TX with one of my bitches. That's right, NINE! Doesn't even include the 2 Rob Thomas shows that I've seen on top of that.

As expected, it was freakin' awesome! Always, ALWAYS a good show.

I loved the band that I was drawn to at my first MB20 concert and I love the band that they continue to become. Check out their latest single here.

Cheers to Sarah for letting me stay with her and her sister, for being my date to the show (so I didn't have to bring my "other" boyfriend when I'm going to see my rockstar boyfriend) and for being awesome enough to notice that her boyfriend had moved from drums to guitar! Let's do it again.

One More Texan For OBAMA

Introducing...

Three new blogs under "More Fun Stories".

A new friend who was an old friend from High School. I recently discovered that Jen now lives here in Austin, TX!! This is her blog: So Fecking What?

Jen's friend Kerri took us out to see a comedy show last Saturday. She follows Mean Rachel's blog so (armed with 2 six-packs) the three of us set out to see the performance. I knew that I liked Mean Rachel after she shared this observation about herself, "I am recently single, and therefore recently an alcoholic."

I happened upon the third blog just a few weeks ago. This is dear friend of mine, who I lost touch with about 5 years ago. She now has 3 darling children. It has been so fun hear from her and get a peak into her life. Apparently, there is Never a Dull Moment in the Burk household!

The Day After the Marathon

For those of you who didn't see me last Monday...

Save The Lights

I have what one friend has called an extremist personality.

When I decide that I like something, it becomes near impossible to change my mind. Sometimes, even to change my own mind. See for yourself...

I once ate dinner at Taco Bell for 6 weeks straight. Same order every night.

I have seen the same band perform the same concert 3 nights in a row.

I have watched the same movie every night for a month straight.

I have been known to listen to the same song on repeat. Ad nauseam.

The latest installment of extremist behavior is my newfound LOVE of the TV show Friday Night Lights. Gareth and I started DVRing it at the end of last season and have recently rented the entire first season to catch up.


We have been watching these shows for the past two weeks. Sometimes after pleas of, "only one more episode," staying up until 2 or 3AM. We are 1/2 way through disc 4 (out of 5). It has become somewhat of an obsession. I start to think about it an hour or so before I leave work. I plan dinner so that we can watch TV while we're eating. I have fallen in love with some of the characters. I have started to recognize parts of myself in others . I even had a dream two nights ago that Coach Taylor was my new volleyball coach. Seriously.

Talk is that the show might be canceled. If this happened, I would be devastated! This is, by far, the best show I have watched in a very long time. Real characters with real issues that hit close to home.

My favorite comedian loves it! VH1's Best Week Ever has started a petition to save it. I don't know what else to do, but I'm just not ready for the show to be over.

Save the Lights!!