I Like Your Cowboy Hat

Death by PowerPoint

2010-07-11T11:30:00.009-05:00

I have been reminded in the past couple of weeks that expertise does not always make a great teacher...nor can everyone present well.

Take a look...

Death by PowerPoint

View more presentations from www.kapterev.com.

A Winkel-Sampson Family Blog

2010-06-04T23:09:00.005-05:00

I've been thinking about doing this for a few weeks now. Actually, a few months even...

In this blog, I keep track of my stories and my thoughts. Sometimes I include Gareth since he's such a big part of my life, but really this blog is about ME. Since we learned that we are expecting, though, I've wanted to open a new blog that tells OUR story.

You can find it here.

The new blog will include all things baby and family, and it will serve as a keepsake for the Winkel-Sampson clan. Our family tree...

Lord knows we will grow 'em TALL ;)

Punkin' Girl

2010-05-19T21:03:00.004-05:00

Our Lyla has grown up since she first joined our family several months ago. She was only 13 weeks when we picked her up. She was a little punkin' even back then and we loved her!

Now, she is 6 1/2 months old and a perfect fit to our growing family.

She is happiest when she is outside OR greeting us at the door.
She is curious and adventurous.
She is a GREAT napper.
She is house trained... and picked it up quick.
She is our constant companion.

Sure, it was a tough adjustment. Much earlier mornings. Dog hair on clothes and furniture. She's a stink pot at times. But...

She's our Punkin' Girl and we wouldn't trade her for anything.

a little Sunday afternoon nap

Isn't She Lovely

2010-05-09T21:19:00.013-05:00

Today finds me thankful for my mother.

The oldest of 10 children. Wife of 37 years. Mother to Jane (34) and John (32). Breast cancer survivor. A school teacher for too many years to count... who, by the way, will be retiring in a matter of weeks!!

Here she is at our wedding last June. As beautiful as ever.

When I found out a few months ago that Gareth and I are expecting our first child this October, my mother was the person I was most excited to tell...

She was SO happy! I could almost hear her dancing over the phone ;)

And so, today also finds me looking forward to being a mother.

Yes, Gareth and I are preparing for baby (we'll find out the gender in 1 more month), and this Mother's Day is a milestone. The first holiday that we see through the eyes of family. It is an adjustment, but one that has brought us closer and made us a stronger couple.

There are likely many more adjustments on the horizon. We can't wait!

The Music City

2010-04-30T20:31:00.009-05:00

I spent last weekend in Nashville... and I'm exhausted!!

We kicked off the weekend with a family reunion. Five of my Winkel cousins, my brother, and I ran the Country Music Rock & Roll Half Marathon together on Saturday. We survived the distance

...AND the weather!!

But the very best part was getting to visit, to catch up with one another, to know each other again. It didn't take long to remember why I loved running around with them all as a young girl...

Each one has turned into a remarkable adult.

On Sunday, I reconnected with a dear friend over coffee. I haven't seen Jessica in nearly 7 years. We spent a few short hours catching up with one another. Sharing our joys and hopes for the future.

She is just as kind and loving and beautiful as I remember.

Jessica happened to suggest a Starbucks in Brentwood, TN. Just a few blocks from the office building of one of my very favorites: Dave Ramsey. It wasn't nearly as exciting as it would have been to visit during office hours, but it still made me smile.

A big thanks to my brother who was kind enough to assist with the drive-by...

It was a wonderful weekend in the Music City.

Grandma's Girl

2010-04-09T15:48:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I told one of the girls I coach, "my Grandma can hit harder than that!"

It was just a figure of speach.
I was trying to make a point.
I didn't really mean that my Grandma could hit the volleyball harder.

But, it got me thinking about my Grandma...

Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my Grandma Winkel. We lived in a nearby city, and she babysat for me a lot. As a young girl, we had our own routine. She knew little things about me... that to a 4 year-old is the entire world.

She knew that my favorite color was orange. She always cut my sandwiches in squares. She always handed me peanuts in the tin cap. We took naps together. She let me sit on her lap in the car. She knew that I couldn't live without my blanket... or my thumb. She knew that Alvin and the Chipmunks was my favorite record, and that Sesame Street was my favorite TV Show.

She knew me...

I was Grandma's girl.

As I have grown older, and reflected on this early relationship, I feel special and loved. I was not her only grandchild or even her only granddaughter. She had 9 children and many more grandchildren than that.

But she made me feel like a favorite.

My Grandma may not be able to hit a volleyball harder than the girl I was coaching. But she is tough. As I was saying good-bye to her after a visit a few years back, she gave me this piece of advice...

"Now, be good. But if you can't be good, be safe."

It made me smile then.
It still makes me smile.

I'm still Grandma's girl.

The Sound of Whistles

2010-03-31T07:33:00.007-05:00

I was in Indianapolis this weekend with the girls volleyball team I have been helping coach this Spring.

We had a successful weekend!

We didn't win every game, but we did take 3rd place in the Open Division, which allowed us to qualify for Nationals in Reno, NV, this summer. All of this without our head coach, who was waiting patiently in Austin for the arrival of his baby girls.

Like I said... SUCCESS.

Growing up, I spent more weekends than I can count at these tournaments. Most of them in Omaha and Lincoln. Others: Denver, Minneapolis, Tampa, New Orleans, even Austin.

I still love the sound of whistles blowing and balls being played as I walk through a convention center. It brings back the pure joy that volleyball often brought me as a young girl.

Now, I don't consider myself a great coach.

I was a good player, but coaching is not my strong suit. Lineups, timeouts, strategy... these things do not come naturally to me. I like to teach the game, but that is not all that is required of a good coach.

I signed up this season to help pay my bills. Plain and simple. It has been a surprise to me, though, how much I have enjoyed the experience... and how much it has benefited me personally.

To reflect on my own experiences with this sport...
To remember who I was.
To be certain now of who I am.

What a gift it has turned out to be.

Thumbs, Naps, and Bike Rides with Mom

2010-03-12T09:40:00.002-06:00

I can still fall asleep just about anywhere...

(circa 1976)

Who?

2010-01-29T13:47:00.004-06:00

...could say no to this face?!

Twenty Ten

2010-01-20T15:38:00.007-06:00

What's in store for the Sampson family in 2010?

As 2009 kicked off one year ago, I could not have predicted the joy I would find throughout the year. In January 2009, I was facing challenges with family and career that found me in tears most nights. Distress. Hopelessness. Discouragement. I felt all of these emotions on an ongoing basis as the year began.

By the time the year was over though, I could hardly recall those painful nights.

The turning point?
Well...there were two.

May 22, 2009
On this day, I walked out of the Student Services Office in the Texas Athletics Department on my last day of employment. I had survived. I don't think my smile has ever been bigger than it was on this day. A new career awaited me. One in which I was boss. I have made few decisions in life that felt better than this career move.

June 26, 2009
Just over one month later, Gareth and I married in Estes Park, Colorado. Yes, our wedding was beautiful. Yes, we had a fun time exploring the city and the historic hotel. Yes, we had a HUGE party with our friends and family. Yes, this was a special day!! More importantly though, this day reminds me of how lucky I am to have Gareth in my life. How lucky I am that he loves me. It made all the difference in how 2009 finished for me...and I expect that it will make all the difference for the rest of our lives.

What transpired in the remaining months of last year is a blur of smiles, laughs, drinks, friends...FUN! I spent time taking care of myself (something I had neglected to do for the previous 4 years) and it felt amazing!!

So, now what? As I look forward to this year individually and together with Gareth, I can't wait for these things...

A visiting student from Japan (he arrived this week and is settling into our guest room!)
An addition to our family (no, this is not an announcement!! not yet...)
A new little pup to run around our yard and keep us company
Time to spend with friends, both old and those we have yet to meet :)
A new career interest for Jane: Massage Therapy
Revisiting an old passion: Volleyball; using this part-time coaching gig to reconnect with old friends and make new ones
Fitness goals: Mountain Biking, Yoga, Weightlifting, CrossFit (?), Running
Traveling together as a family and being active
Momentum with Arbonne...and a promotion?!

With this list in mind, I know that I could not possibly predict all of the things that will challenge me in the coming year. Nor, will I be able to predict all that will make me smile.

I can only hope.

With beautiful friends at my side and an amazing husband, holding my hand...I think it's going to be another great year.

A Gift for Bochi

2010-01-12T22:29:00.005-06:00

Six Solid Months

2009-12-26T17:33:00.022-06:00

Today, Gareth and I celebrate six months of marriage!!

We are spending a quiet, lazy day together. Just back from the gym, already a few chores and projects completed. Leftovers eaten. We have a football game on the TV. There is nothing especially remarkable about today... except that we are together. Loving each other.

A look at our first six months...

just back from Colorado in June... what a chivalrous husband?! :)

our favorite thing!! snuggling on the couch

Halloween Poker Bike Ride (Cowboy and Barbarian)

San Antonio Half-Marathon... with my favorite cheerleader :)

a night on the town... where else?! LL!

We decided to postpone the St. Lucia Honeymoon we had planned to take this month. Instead, with Dave Ramsey's help, we set financial goals as a family that doesn't include a trip to St. Lucia this year. Soon though, we hope to be able to Live Like No One Else.

...which will include packing our bags for the Caribbean!!

Winter Solstice with the WP's

2009-12-21T12:01:00.005-06:00

... Chili Cook-Off style!

With a gift to deliver to Tim yesterday, I stumbled upon some dear friends in the midst of a contest. I love it when a quick trip leads to an entire afternoon spent with good people!! It's my favorite kind of day, in fact :)

There were laughs, controversy, beer, sun, friends (old and new), cupcakes, apple crisp, and a bunch of chili. Here's a photo of Kenny, the winner... although, rumor has it there will be an asterisk by his win?!?

Shhh... it was still my vote for #1! ;)

What to Write?

2009-12-09T10:17:00.033-06:00

I've been away from my blog for awhile.

I'm guessing my fellow bloggers can attest...the longer you are away, the harder it is to come back. I've been meaning to post for a few weeks now and just couldn't seem to find a good story..

Would I write about the wonderful time I had at Thanksgiving? When Gareth and I shared the day with some of our dearest friends, then cheered on the Horns with a room full of fans? About our "pretend camping" excursion in our own backyard the following night and how much fun we had laughing, drinking, and eating s'mores?

Or, what about my new goals for my Arbonne business? That I've found renewed belief and vision? That I have more momentum that I've had in a year?

I could mention that I am coaching volleyball again. That I've been placed with a team that I did not choose, but am finding in the first 1 1/2 weeks it is a perfect fit. That it feels so good to be around the sport that I love...even if I had forgotten how much.

Maybe it's time to write about massage therapy? How it's something that I've pondered in the back of my mind for years. How I never thought it would fit into the picture I had for my life. How I'll be starting school here in February and could not be more excited!!

Hmmm...

I think instead, I'll just share these two thoughts (and images)...

Last month I had the chance opportunity to meet one of my heros. For those of you who do not know this man, Tom Osborne was a legendary football coach for Nebraska at the time I was growing up in Omaha. I met him at the UT vs. NU volleyball game in Austin, while he was attending to his duties as Athletic Director.

taken at Gregory Gym...in the line for popcorn :)

Texas has two teams currently in pursuit of their respective National Championships: Volleyball and Football. I am following both teams with pride! I am also remembering my own pursuit of the National title, now 14 years ago...

celebrating a Regional win against Florida, which sent us to the Final Four in 1995

Someday

2009-09-28T13:14:00.017-05:00

loving this song right now...

listen here. (click 'someday')

you can go
you can start all over again
you can try to find a way to make another day go by
you can hide
hold all your feelings inside
you can try to carry on when all you wanna do is cry

maybe someday
we'll figure all this out
try to put an end to all our doubt
try to find a way to make things better now
and maybe someday
we'll live our lives out loud
we'll be better off somehow
someday

now wait
try to find another mistake
if you throw it all away
then maybe you can change your mind
you can run
and when everything is over and done
you can shine a little light on everything around you
man it's good to be someone

i don't wanna wait
i just wanna know
i just wanna hear you tell me so
give it to me straight
but tell it to me slow

maybe someday
we'll figure all this out
we'll put an end to all our doubt
try to find a way to just feel better now

sometimes we don't
really notice
just how good it can get
so maybe we should
start all over
start all over again

Oprah - Black Eyed Peas

2009-09-16T12:56:00.001-05:00

Sunday Routine and Secrets

2009-09-13T14:55:00.008-05:00

I am loving the routine I've started putting together for Sundays...

sleeping late
pho with good friends
couch time
running (maybe)
movies

One thing I never miss on Sundays is PostSecret.

As you will read on the site, PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. Each Sunday, a batch of new secrets are posted.

I read each one, savoring the beauty and truth. It always makes me sad when I can see that I'm almost to the end of the page. I find it therapeutic to read these, imagining the author's story. Sometimes I see myself in the secrets of others.

Each one is a stranger to me. Yet, we are somehow linked through this beautiful project. Here is my favorite secret this Sunday...

Two Fun Months

2009-08-26T14:14:00.008-05:00

Gareth and I celebrate two months of marriage today!

We've been asked quite a bit how our relationship has changed since we've been married. The answer is that it has changed in some small, practical ways and some sweet ways...honestly, though, it's not terribly different.

Practically, we have spent time joining our lives together. Communicating with one another about finances, futures, goals, dreams. But, we are still getting used to calling each other "husband" and "wife" and working on being a team.

So far, our favorite thing to do together is PLAY (and this is not new)!

After spending 10 days playing in Colorado, we returned to the (record-breaking) heat of Austin. We've been riding bikes (Gareth), running (Jane), playing volleyball, hosting parties, spending time with friends, and making new friends since our return.

Marriage is work. I know that it is, in fact. At two months, I'm hoping that we will always play...to make our marriage work!

Hiking in the Flatirons (Boulder, Colorado)

Beer tasting at the New Belgium Brewery (Fort Collins, Colorado)

Rocky Mountain National Park

Couch Time

2009-08-23T19:39:00.008-05:00

Wrapping up a weekend filled with dress-up, pub runs, douchebags, cleaning, white, birthdays, buffalo chicken dip (yum!), scheming, dancing, cupcakes, and late nights.

Today, we are treating ourselves to a lazy Sunday...

LOVE the weekend fun!! But, SO loving our couch right now.

Banana ♥'s Panther

2009-08-17T17:54:00.021-05:00

I ran my first marathon in February 2006.

It was six months prior to that, though, when I met my running coach (Panther) for the first time. He trained me, encouraged me, and...yes, nicknamed me!

You can call me Banana if you want, too. I'll answer.

I gave up running last year, when my job became too demanding. I didn't actually miss the running, but I did miss the team and my coach.

I decided to get back in the game just recently. I started running with Panther two months ago and am training for the San Antonio half marathon in November.

I still have a hard time with the early mornings and the heat, but I'm getting back into it, and...being a part of Riff Raff helps!

Panther is featured here in the Austin American Statesman today.

Check him out. You'll end up wanting to run and/or drink with us, too!

An Old Friend

2009-08-03T15:51:00.008-05:00

Friends...People that increase our joys. Share our sorrows. Challenge us. Comfort us. Inspire fun. People we laugh with. Drink with. Dance with...

I have met some fantastic new friends in the past couple of months. Friends that I am so excited to get to know better in the months and years to come.

Friends that I love! Already.
Each for a different reason.

I found myself reflecting on these new friendships over the weekend, and it made me smile.

It also brought an old friend to mind...

Almost 7 years ago now, I met a new friend when I started a part-time job. I was in the middle of an exceptionally difficult time of transition in my life.

Somehow, Michael knew exactly how to be my friend.

He could tell when I needed to ask for help (but didn't) and he helped me. He never offered. He just helped, never giving me the opportunity to decline. He called to check on me. He talked to me.

Sometimes, he just sat with me.

We had conversations about literature and life. Always without judgment. I started to discover myself in the course of our friendship.

I loved him. Though, not in a romantic way. I know that he loved me too.

It felt like we were family.

Due to other commitments in Michael's life, our friendship ended...only a few short months after it began. I respect the path that he took. I regret losing him, though.

It was such a short friendship. It surprises me that I still miss him.

I wonder where he is now.
I wonder if he ever thinks about me.
I hope he is happy!...

I wish we could be friends again.

Picture Perfect

2009-07-31T16:30:00.017-05:00

So many things about our wedding day went...

Just. Right.

The friends. The family. The flights (just barely).
The support. The weather. The promises.
The champagne. The music. The love...

The fun!!

Our photographer, Julie, was just right, too!

She was the perfect balance of take charge and blend in. I L-O-V-E-D the way Julie interacted with both Gareth and I (and our crazy crew of family and friends!) on our wedding day...we hardly had to think!!

The best part, though...is her work. Take a peek here!

If you'd like to see more photos: visit Julie's website, click 'Client Proofs', and enter the Passcode: janeandgareth. There are more photos when you 'Enter the Gallery'.

Join the Revolution

2009-07-19T20:42:00.001-05:00

Dashboard Confessional - Stolen

2009-07-17T15:08:00.001-05:00

One of the things I learned about Gareth early on in our relationship is that he is a Dashboard Confessional fan!

He took me to an acoustic set of theirs at La Zona Rosa and was sweet to tell me that one of the songs reminded him of me...

We chose that song for the processional at our wedding a few weeks ago...including the bride's walk down the aisle!!

It still makes me cry. Every time. ;-)

NCAA Football Night

2009-07-14T15:07:00.004-05:00

It's a BIG DAY in the Sampson household!

For those of you (like me) who might not know what is so exciting, you're looking at NCAA Football 2010. It has been suggested to me that I make plans with friends tonight. It took about 2 seconds to solve that one!!

Now, Gareth is happy to have the video game AND TV to himself!

Thoughts on Love...

2009-07-14T10:29:00.004-05:00

I read an article yesterday.

I have not always been in good relationships, romantic or otherwise. And so, this piece of advice especially resonated with me...

This is the bottom line: you must love yourself well enough not to let love for another person cause you to accept mistreatment in a romantic [or any other] relationship.

I am thankful, though. Today, I have some of the best relationships that I have ever had...and I think it is because I have become better at loving myself.

Our Wedding Day

2009-07-03T20:46:00.013-05:00

Friday, June 26, 2009

Our smiles couldn't get any bigger. The happiest day in our lives!!

With 100 of our friends and family who joined us in Estes Park, Colorado, at The Stanley Hotel, we celebrated the start of our lives together in style!

We could not possibly capture all of the love and all of the FUN...

but we have tried to remember some of our favorite moments.

Please feel free to add your favorites to our list.

xoxo.
Dr. and Mrs. Sampson

ghost tour with scary mary! my cousin Ava is the star :-)

our awesome 'set up' team! the room was beautiful because of all of you.

bad weather blowing through. reassuring words from Gareth.

sun at just the right moment for an outdoor ceremony.

elk and rainbows for the reception! wow!!

relying on the wedding party. being so organized before the wedding day that I could be scattered on the wedding day. thank you to everyone who answered a phone call to 'please, bring Jane _____.'

getting notes, texts, and posts all day long - filled with love!

seeing each other for the first time all dressed up!

getting my hair done with Tiff and Sarah! visits from Susan and Kim.

Photographer: that's the beauty of taking pictures before the ceremony.
Jane: you mean we can drink a cocktail now?! woo hoo!

getting ready with my girls. such beauty all in one room!

kind words from strangers as I was waiting in my wedding dress...prompting a conversation with Lindsey in which I am considering wearing the dress again -- on just a regular night on the town.

champagne, poured by Michelle!

discovering that Red's drunken super-power is dipping people.

Jane: I think Red dipped me last night.
Gareth: Yea, he dipped me, too.

dancing with my Mom and Aunts! all of my family rocked it!!

Clyde (to Jane): We need to do this every weekend!

Sharon and Nicole doing the jump rope.

pulling everyone out to dance. no one refused!

high-fives with my AWESOME wedding coordinator when we figured out we could get everyone on the dance floor with a well-timed song and better lighting!

Molly (to Gareth): please stop playing Journey. I've seen a side of Kevin that I never want to see again.

Mark's bug-eyes and goofy faces.

amazing soup! seriously. it was SO good.

where did you get your music?! (shhh!!...DJ Kurv, Red Fez)

Bart (to Gareth): I will PAY YOU for that music!!

an impromptu Michael Jackson tribute. lots of love.

waterfalls of tequila. whoospy!

a private photo shoot and hike to the ruins, across the street. feeling like Gareth and I are the only two people in the world.

meeting Gareth's college friends: Juan, Bart, and Brian.

seeing my cousin, Heather. feeling her Mother's presence and love.

blinded by the 'strobe light' of flashing cameras on the dance floor.

Sebastian's awesome dance moves!

a complement to Gareth and I that also complemented my brother and his wife.

being surrounded by so many people we love that we couldn't wipe the smiles off of our faces if we tried!!

Lonesome Dove

2009-06-15T14:03:00.001-05:00

I watched this show for the first time more than 15 years ago. The entire 6-hour mini-series in one weekend, maybe even one Saturday.

It played on TV last night, so Gareth and I stayed up together to watch.

I'm not normally a fan of western movies, but this is my exception. Gus and Clara's love story pulls at my heartstrings every time.

Here is my favorite scene (the first 1:20 or so)...

Perfect Austin Date

2009-05-17T23:29:00.006-05:00

Just home from a perfect "Austin Date" with my soon-to-be hubby...

Rode our bikes to the IMAX theatre for the new Star Trek movie. A GREAT movie...(except for the two teenagers who would NOT stop talking behind us). Don't you think Captain Kirk is SO dreamy?? :-)

Pit stop at Red House on our way home for a glass of wine to wind down.

Beautiful weather. Wonderful company. Spontaneous. Fun.

Thought for My Day

2009-05-15T10:15:00.001-05:00

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.

-Thomas Merton

Girls' Night

2009-05-15T09:59:00.005-05:00

I have such great girlfriends!

We had a fun time catching up with one another last night. I realized how much I missed seeing all of them more often...and how lucky I am to have such a beautiful, positive piece in my life!!

The photos are not from last night, but these are some of the girls...

birthday soiree for Bochi

party boat with Lindsey

Bullies

2009-05-14T16:35:00.003-05:00

Wow, I thought bullies and cliques were left behind, long-ago, in high school. Sadly, this is just not so. It's shocking to find both of these - still - in my adult life. Thankfully, I can choose not to participate.

I choose maturity.

Some Things

2009-05-12T13:48:00.003-05:00

I have a bunch of things on my mind and I can't seem to complete a single thought, which leaves my blog empty. Instead of complete thoughts, here are some of the pieces...

~ I am leaving my full-time J.O.B. on May 22. I can't wait!!

~ Gareth and I have sent out (most of the) invitations to our wedding. We went to the post office together two weekends ago. Each of us dropping a handful into the slot. We didn't say a word to each other on the way in. As we were hopping back into the car, Gareth looked over at me and said, "I guess there's no going back now." The truth is, we can't wait!!

~ I am learning about boundaries. I've discovered that setting boundaries is not something I've done very well in my relationships. It is also not something I've done very well in my relationship with work. I'm starting to set them, now. It's awkward, but it is awesome!

~ I had a fantastic weekend with friends. Happy hours, dinners, dancing, live music, fun times! I'm looking forward to another one. High school friends in town, birthdays to celebrate. Kick ass! :-)

~ Gareth and I are learning how to talk with each other. It's pretty awesome. We're still learning, but it's getting easier and better! I knew this guy was good for me!!

~ I love the business I've started with Arbonne. I'm still just getting my feet under me, but every time I think about the products, the people, the rewards, the recognition...it truly amazes me! I am so happy that I listened.

~ I've had one person, a friend in high school, on my mind quite a bit lately. My friend, Mary, tells me that I'm trying to "make amends". The way she said it sounded like she was proud of me. The truth is, I owe the guy an apology. I hope I get a chance to tell him.

~ I went for a walk this morning! It feels good to be active again. I'll hit the gym on Wed and on Fri this week, too. Time to get up off the couch and shake off the funk.

Don't Hate

2009-04-22T12:05:00.006-05:00

I met my friend Lindsey for breakfast this morning. We haven't seen each other in a while and needed some time to catch up! Our plan was Trudy's.

We stood at the front for some time until one of the few employees had to tell us that we should seat ourselves...and order at the bar. So, we found a seat, spent a few minutes figuring out what was going on and settling in.

We found the breakfast menu on a board behind the bar and started to ask one another the standard, "What are you getting?"

We were just fine.

Before we knew it, the woman behind the bar begins barking at the kind employee who helped us to our seats, "You better go hand those two these menus! They're just staring at the menu and will never figure out what they want!"

She was clearly intending for Lindsey and I to hear her disgust with us. Honestly, she was being a bitch.

We couldn't decide if she was angry with us for not knowing what was going on OR if she was angry with the employee for who knows what? Either way, she was rude.

The young man she was harassing brought us the menus. We let him know that we were sorry, but didn't know what we were supposed to do.

He apologized.

It didn't take us long to decide that we weren't going to put up with her rude behavior, so we walked out of Trudy's and ended up having a very nice breakfast at the Red River Cafe.

Very courteous waitstaff and delicious food.

I am sorry if the woman at Trudy's was having a bad morning. She may have had car problems on the way into work or a sick kid at home? I don't know. What I do know is that I don't need someone treating me like that, especially first thing in the morning.

Don't hate. You'll lose business. You just lost mine.

Town Hall For Hope

2009-04-06T23:28:00.002-05:00

Check out me and Piwetz at the Town Hall For Hope Blog! :-)

Late Night Conversations about Money...

2009-03-30T12:16:00.006-05:00

Jane: (giggling to herself) hey honey, listen to this!

[from Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover] So, my Total Money Makeover begins with a challenge. The challenge is you. You are the problem with your money.

Wow. That is so right. Noone has ever said that to me.

How did he know that?!

Gareth: Yea, that is good. (looking at Jane sheepishly out of the corner of his eye) Does he know your other problems, too?

Jane: Huh?! Wait a minute...what problems?! That's not very funny!

Gareth: Then why are you laughing?

I guess I was laughing.

Dave's right, too. I'm making a change, though, and my money is going to start working for me -- instead of the other way around! Look. Out.

Well, Well, Well

2009-03-17T10:44:00.006-05:00

Did you miss National Grammar Day this year? Me too. Thanks to a diligent tutor, these Top 10 Grammar Tips just came across my desk to remind me.

Because I had a friend who never missed an opportunity to correct me on this particular grammar usage, here's my favorite. (That corrects him right back. ha!)

Enjoy...

Is it "good" or "well"?
There are people out there who insist that "I am well" is the only acceptable answer to the question, "How are you?"

They are wrong, bless their starchy little hearts.

It is true that adverbs modify verbs, and "am" is a form of the verb "to be." This is a special kind of verb. Called a "linking verb," it connects a subject to additional information. It's not an action verb.

Just as the sentence "Kermit the frog is green" is correct, while "Kermit the frog is greenly" is not, "I am good" is a correct way to answer the question.

Here's the kicker, though. "I am well" works, too. It has a slightly different meaning, and describes your state of health. So, if you want to reveal your glowing physical condition, by all means say, "I am well." If you merely want to say stuff in your life is hunky-dory, "I am good" is just fine.

Who's Too Busy?

2009-03-10T10:49:00.005-05:00

It has become a favorite of mine to frequent Vivo with good friends for a happy hour -> dinner on Fridays after work. These friends are favorites, too, and I love sharing margaritas and queso with them!

Two Fridays ago, Lindsey told me that she's been REALLY busy at work these past couple of weeks. Her eyes got wide and I could see in her expression that she was about to launch into her tails of an inbox overflowing with emails, tasks to numerous to keep track of, and a project that demanded far too much of her time and energy.

All that came out of her mouth though were these words...

"I'm as busy as...YOU!"

The truth is, she's right.

You know what? I don't like that about myself, anymore.

Twilight Addict

2009-02-26T14:20:00.010-06:00

My friend Marietta told me about this series for the first time just a few months ago. Michelle was the second friend to get hooked.

When my book club chose Twilight for last month's meeting, I picked it up for the first time during the last week in January.

I read Twilight in about 3 days (450 pages or so). New Moon over the following weekend. Eclipse the next week. I'm about to finish Breaking Dawn (700 pages) this weekend -- and can't get enough of this story!

If you're a sucker for a good love story (like I am!), and you haven't picked up this book...you should! Do it today. Or borrow my copy.

Change

2009-02-26T12:00:00.005-06:00

Wow Erin!...I couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you for your Somewhat Preachy Post on Change.

Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.

-King Whitney, Jr.

All Your Reasons

2009-02-10T23:16:00.000-06:00

What. A Weekend.

2009-02-09T15:57:00.009-06:00

I had one of the laziest weekends that I've had in a long, long time. Even with my sleeping in, naps, and general laziness, I still managed to accomplish several things. Most of which, I'm proud of...

Finished reading New Moon (from the Twilight series)
Registered, with Gareth, at Crate & Barrell
Enjoyed a LIT from TGIF with my girlfriends
Caught up on all of my shows (Chelsea Lately, AC360, and...wait for it...Supernanny)

It's another action-packed week ahead. Makes me thankful for a lazy weekend!

Thoughts on Fathers

2009-01-23T22:30:00.004-06:00

I have been thinking a lot about Fathers in the last few months. About my father. About the father I hope Gareth will one day be...

One of the people I look up to recommended the book Strong Fathers Strong Daughters. So much so that he actually purchased a copy for every man in his office with a daughter. Hearing this made me curious, so I requested a free chapter here.

Below are a few lines that most resonate with this daughter...

I have watched daughters talk to fathers. When you come in the room, they change. Everything about them changes: their eyes, their mouths, their gestures, their body language. Daughters are never lukewarm in the presence of their fathers. They might take their mothers for granted, but not you. They light up - or they cry. They watch you intensely. They hang on your words. They hope for your attention, and they wait for it in frustration - or in despair. They need a gesture of approval, a nod of encouragement, or even simple eye contact to let them know you care and are willing to help.

When she's in your company, your daughter tries harder to excel. When you teach her, she learns more rapidly. When you guide her, she gains confidence. If you fully understood just how profoundly you can influence your daughter's life, you would be terrified, overwhelmed, or both. Boyfriends, brothers, even husbands can't shape her character the way you do. You will influence her entire life because she gives you an authority she gives no other man.

An Intention

2009-01-23T09:47:00.002-06:00

One of my beautiful co-workers has started a routine in our office.

Once a week, she walks through our office with a deck of cards. Each of us pulls one card at the start of each week. It is random, like pulling from a deck of cards for a magic trick. Going on my third week, and so far, I seem to pull the exact intention that I need for the present. Here is the one I have been meditating on for this week.

Loving others is easy when I love and accept myself.

My heart is open. I allow my love to flow freely. I love myself. I love others and others love me.

A First Step

2009-01-14T22:16:00.003-06:00

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step."

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

It Doesn't Take Long

2009-01-14T21:57:00.003-06:00

I've only been back in the office for a week and a half. I'm already exhausted...and think I need another vacation.

Tagged

2009-01-14T21:41:00.002-06:00

I've seen this one on a couple of blogs, but my beautiful friend Jessica was the one to call me out by name, so here goes.

Go to your fourth picture folder and select the fourth photo. Here's mine...

We have my dear friend, Michelle and her husband (fiance at this point, I think) Jon. We're trying to keep cool at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, circa 2005. It was a hot one!

Now, Joni, Mel, Katie, and Erin...you're tagged.

What To Do?!?

2009-01-07T16:45:00.001-06:00

I think that I'll take Will Muschamp's advice on this one.

"I'm not rooting for them," Muschamp said. "I might watch the game but I'm not rooting, I guarantee you that."

I even sent my OU SUCKS pin with Lindsey to the game for good measure.

Dave Ramsey

2009-01-04T22:34:00.005-06:00

I was introduced to Dave Ramsey about six months ago. I wasn't actually introduced to the man, but introduced to his message. I watched the documentary Maxed Out and Dave came on at the end to share his Baby Steps toward Financial Freedom. I bought in and it seemed easy...until I tried it. I didn't even last through the first month. It was H-A-R-D!

I am in his online class right now. Only on the 4th lesson, but already I am learning something. These are some of his one-liners that are my favorite...

"Live like noone else, so that later you can LIVE like noone else!"

"I want to find out what rich people do to get rich. Don't tell me what your broke friends think you should do. They're BROKE!"

And today, with tears in my eyes, I listened to his lesson on paying off debt. He was talking about "Gazelle Intensity". He was running around the stage like a crazy man describing the attitude needed to kick debt (imagine National Championship passion). He said, "You have to sell stuff, you have to change your thinking, you have to kick it! That's how you get it done. RUN! DO IT! TAKE YOUR LIFE BACK!!"

Maybe I'm the only one in this situation, but I don't think so. Either way, I'm taking my life back. I'm doing it Dave's way -- and I'm going to scream, "I'M DEBT FREE!" sooner than anyone thinks (even me).

This is my New Year's Resolution.

Sunday Secrets

2009-01-04T01:32:00.002-06:00

I read PostSecret every week. When I do, I always look for the one I wish I had written. Here is my choice for this week...

Maybe someday I'll have the courage to write my own.

I Want to Be Friends With Gladys

2008-12-20T15:54:00.004-06:00

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

Red Dresses and Toys

2008-12-20T15:31:00.003-06:00

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...

2008-11-28T22:22:00.005-06:00

a man who loves me.

good friends.

Day One

2008-11-26T12:41:00.006-06:00

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

2008-11-24T15:57:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-18T12:21:00.006-06:00

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

2008-11-05T15:12:00.004-06:00

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

My Life

2008-10-29T22:35:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-23T00:07:00.001-05:00

Success

2008-10-18T01:51:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-12T18:46:00.009-05:00

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

2008-10-09T23:18:00.007-05:00

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

2008-10-07T23:31:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-13T18:58:00.006-05:00

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

2008-09-10T23:21:00.013-05:00

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

2008-09-01T22:59:00.004-05:00

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

2008-09-01T13:04:00.005-05:00

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...

2008-08-19T19:35:00.006-05:00

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

2008-08-11T23:33:00.001-05:00

GREAT Advice

2008-08-11T11:35:00.003-05:00

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

2008-08-10T20:31:00.007-05:00

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

2008-08-03T22:27:00.005-05:00

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

2008-07-27T21:22:00.004-05:00

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

2008-07-13T23:09:00.008-05:00

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!

2008-07-06T22:41:00.009-05:00

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?

2008-06-29T21:47:00.006-05:00

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

2008-06-26T14:28:00.004-05:00

...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

2008-06-24T15:15:00.008-05:00

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

2008-06-12T22:05:00.030-05:00

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

2008-06-08T22:36:00.013-05:00

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

2008-06-08T13:49:00.010-05:00

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?

2008-05-28T16:30:00.015-05:00

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

2008-05-21T13:37:00.002-05:00

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

Gratitude

2008-05-14T16:16:00.002-05:00

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

2008-05-12T13:55:00.003-05:00

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

I now realize I've got nothing.

Inspired

2008-05-02T14:10:00.006-05:00

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?

2008-05-01T17:29:00.005-05:00

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

2008-04-25T10:08:00.013-05:00

Thanks for the inspiration, Katie!

My first sport was soccer.
Before that I was a ballerina.
I had an imaginary friend when I was a young girl.
My parents thought it was a sign of intelligence.
His name was Bob.
I went to a Catholic grade school in Kindergarten and 1st grade.
We wore uniforms.
I am more competitive than the average person.
The only reason I learned how to swim is so my younger brother wouldn't win.
My favorite part of volleyball is blocking.
I am glad I don't play anymore.
I have a hard time keeping a clean house, but my car is almost always clean.
I still sleep with a blanket.
My favorite thing to do on a Friday after work is drink a margarita.
My favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon is drink a margarita.
I love my job.
I am not a workaholic.
When I was young, I had a stuffed animal named Cutie Footloose Jackson Patch.
My dad helped me name him.
My dad can be silly.
So can I.
The only place I've visited outside the United States is Australia.
I've been there twice.
Wait - I've been to Canada now, too.
I love the color burnt orange.
I am a Longhorn.
I went to school at Texas - twice.
I played volleyball at Texas.
I work for Texas.
I taught fifth grade for one year.
I hated it!
I admire teachers.
My mom has taught fifth (or sixth) grade for 30+ years.
I don't know how she does it.
I was born in Kansas City, MO.
I lived in South Sioux City, NE until I was in 2nd grade.
I grew up in Omaha, NE.
I have lived in Austin, TX now longer than I have lived anywhere else.
I've been here for almost 14 years.
I can be bossy.
I do not like to be bossed around.
I have run two marathons.
I don't really like to run.
But I discovered that most runners like to drink.
I have a nice smile.
I am tall.
Strangers sometimes tell me I am tall.
I am not a morning person.
Gareth told me this morning that I may be the worst morning person he's ever seen.
I think I have a sleep disorder.
I love to nap!
I have a mild obsession with Matchbox Twenty.
Really my obsession is with Rob Thomas.
I am not a stalker.
I love to have college football on the TV in the fall.
Even if it's just in the background.
I have lost 14 lbs. of fat in the last 8 months.
I like how it feels when I can fit into my clothes.
I may go down a pant size the next time I shop.
I don't like to procrastinate.
I do it anyway.
I have exceptional friends!
I like to say "yes".
I am not afraid to say "no".
I do not like bugs.
They scare me.
I like hip-hop music.
I like a good dj even better.
I visit the dentist religiously, twice a year.
I haven't had a cavity since I lived in Omaha.
Once, I had to have 8 cavities filled.
I am a romantic.
I love to watch a movie or read a book with a good love story.
I like to be funny.
I like it when my friends are funny.
My first bike was pink - with a basket, streamers, and a banana seat.
My road bike is yellow - like a banana.
I still count on my fingers.
I don't cook often.
Mainly because I don't like to go to the grocery store.
Every year, I love the first day of school.
The only thing better is the last day of school!
I like to talk about stuff.
Gareth has asked me before if I am ever going to stop talking.
I don't think I am.
I can type 70+ wpm (words per minute) without error.
It makes me feel pretty when I wear lip gloss.
I have a serious sweet tooth!
I can't resist cookies from Tiff's Treats.
I remember being afraid that I wouldn't learn to read.
I used to love going to the library!
I still love to read.
I love calendars!
I try not to have more than one.
I want an iPhone.
I love tex-mex food!
I could eat it every night of the week.
I have done it before.
I am a perfectionist who looks mainly at her faults.
I am trying to look at positives more often.

Daniel Tosh on Nebraska

2008-04-22T23:35:00.009-05:00

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!

2008-04-16T23:50:00.021-05:00

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?

2008-04-15T18:42:00.004-05:00

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

2008-04-09T20:23:00.007-05:00

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)

2008-04-04T09:15:00.003-05:00

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

2008-04-01T22:15:00.015-05:00

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

2008-03-28T00:36:00.005-05:00

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

2008-03-28T00:28:00.006-05:00

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

2008-03-28T00:16:00.006-05:00

...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

2008-03-20T16:39:00.006-05:00

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!