quarter-acre-woods

ghosts and things...

2008-01-05T17:37:00.000-05:00

Ok...get this...we have ghosts (or at least one) in our house...again.

About 6 years ago, when we lived in our first apartment in TX, we had a ghost. We had a pole lamp that sat against the wall in the living room. This lamp was pretty heavy...the electric cord was coiled up underneath the base, and the weight of it made an indention in the carpet. Quite often, when we would get home, the lamp would be moved...down one side or the other a few feet, to the middle of the floor...just moved. We could move it back, leave to get dinner, and it would be moved again when we returned home. It was kind of freaky, but hey...the only thing that ever happened was the moving of the lamp.

From there, we moved to a different apartment...I don't remember any weird happenings there. Then, we moved into our current house, almost 3 years ago.

After moving into our house, the ghost returned. The lamp mentioned above is now upstairs, and has never been moved again. The ghost's attention was turned to a Japanese carved camphor wood chest that we have in our bedroom...it was passed down from El Guapo's grandparents. This chest is very heavy...it is about 4' long x 2.5' deep x 2.5 ' high...and it is filled with blankets and things. We started to notice that the chest wasn't always in the same place as where we placed it. The same as the lamp, it would be moved down the wall a foot or two, or out from the wall. There was no reasonable explanation for it...the bedroom door would be closed, just like when we left the house, but the chest would be moved...with indentions in the carpet where it originally was sitting. After this freaking me out for a couple of years, I asked the ghost to leave. The chest hasn't moved since.

Our sweet kitty Cloud passed away just over a year ago...in December 2006. I found her when I got home from work one night, and obviously took it very hard. We spoke to our vet, and her death was textbook for a feline heart condition. She had no symptoms, and died in her sleep. I was heartbroken and still cry about her occasionally. In our living room, across from where she was found, in a niche where our tv is located, we have some staggered shelves. On the top shelf, I have pictures of Cloud, along with her 3 brothers...all black & white pictures, and all in matching frames. Each picture has a tealight candle holder in front. More times than I can count, since her death, Cloud's picture has moved. All the other frames are exactly where they should be, but hers is turned to one side or the other. This has freaked me out as well, and once again, I asked the ghost to leave...it hasn't happened since then.

One night last week, me & El Guapo were laying in bed, chit chatting...and for some reason we started talking about our past ghosts, and that they hadn't been around in a while. I told him I had asked them to leave, and that apparently they had. He made a statement that got me thinking...he said that he wished they would come back, b/c things went better for us when they were around. So, a few nights later, I was sitting on the couch in the living room, and I asked the ghosts to come back and take care of us. El Guapo was not home, and I did not tell him that I did this.

Well, last night, we got home after work, to a surprise. The picture of Cloud had fallen off of the top shelf, along with the glass tealight holder...hit a stack of dvd's and scattered them all over the living room floor. Cloud's picture frame was upside down on the tv shelf, 5 feet below the shelf...and the glass was not even broken. One of the other frames on the shelf was turned a tiny bit, but her picture was the only one that had fallen. I do believe Cloud's ghost is back to take care of us. It is just quite freaky that only a few nights earlier I asked the ghosts to come back. I've thought about this...there is no way that my other cats knocked this frame off...nothing on the other shelves was moved to make me think they had climbed up to the top. Her frame is the third in a row, and there is no way that hers is the only one that they would have knocked off. I'm not an overly superstitious person, but I really believe this is a ghostly experience. Freaky...my ghosts are back...hopefully that means this will be a better year for us.

Has anyone else had anything like this happen? I'm interested to know if I'm the only weirdo that has things like this happen in my house...

end of 2007...finally...

2007-12-28T12:43:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess you could say that Christmas didn't really happen at my house this year. We didn't decorate...no tree, no lights, no anything. No presents to open...much too broke to that, thanks to several large payments that had to go before the end of the year. No Christmas spirit. We were going to do our little christmas tradition...having a nice dinner and then going out to a movie, but I was sick, so that didn't happen either. I apparently had some sort of virus...dizziness, nausea, shaky, weak, just plain yuck! Luckily, I'm feeling mostly better now, but for those few days, it sucked. Humbug...

2007 can't get over with quick enough. It has been a rough year...financially, mentally, emotionally, etc. It seems like it's just been one thing after another all year long. I really hope that 2008 is a new beginning, and that things start out on the right track. Since I will start the year with my bank account near zero, it can't get much worse. Here's to a year of positive things...

I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas, and has a Happy New Year!

3 long hours...

2007-12-21T12:51:00.001-05:00

3 long hours...that's how long it took me to drive 25 miles last night on the Dallas North Tollway. I left work at 5, and it took me 3 hours to get where I was going...when it should have only taken 30-45 minutes with traffic. There was a horrible wreck, and both the northbound and southbound sides were shut down. There was a pickup truck in the left lane going southbound...he swerved to the right to go into the middle lane, but then swerved back left and lost control, careening him into the concrete divider between the north and south bound lanes. His truck then flipped and ended up on it's roof in the right hand shoulder. When this happened, the collision caused a large chunk of concrete to fly through the air...it went through the windshield of a car in the left hand lane of the northbound side. But, get this...the driver was taking his brother home from cancer treatment...the chunk of concrete went through the passenger side of the windshield, hitting his brother in the face, killing him instantly. Cancer couldn't get him, but apparently it was his time to go. I just feel for the brother, who could have done nothing to prevent this from happening. The police shut down the entire 6 lane tollway for hours, to investigate the circumstances of the accident. How horrible...sitting in traffic for 3 hours was bad enough, but I couldn't imagine something that bizarre and horrific happening right in front of your face.

nougatocity...

2007-12-17T17:37:00.000-05:00

NOUGATOCITY (noun) - a heightened yet fleeting state of accomplishment that makes you realize how unbelievable unmotivated you normally are.

That is what I found inside my Snickers wrapper this afternoon...interesting. Really makes you think, doesn't it???

2007-12-15T16:44:00.000-05:00

OK...an update on Kahn...he is doing a little better. We took him in to the vet yesterday before work, and left him for the day. His eating had decreased little by little, and he was eating near to nothing. With his condition (CRF), eating is very important. If he doesn't eat, his body breaks down muscle, which is hard for the kidneys to process. This makes him feel worse, and makes him not want to eat even more...a vicious cycle it is. So, we have started giving him Sub-Q fluids...twice a day for 10 days, and then we'll reevaluate with our vet. I was dreading this, as you have to insert a needle into him, and use an IV bag of fluids; it was really not a big deal at all...actually quite easy. Anyway, he has good moments and bad moments...but the vet assured me that it is totally normal with this condition. We just have to find the right combination of treatments for him to keep him stable.

It is finally cold here in north Texas...has been for the last few days. The highs have only been in the 30's and 40's. I know that's not cold to many of you "northern'ers", but it's darn cold to me. Cold weather makes me want to hibernate, and really prohibits my productivity. Could this explain why my house is a wreck and I haven't exercised lately? I've got to get motivated!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is only 10 days away. I have really not been able to get in the Christmas spirit yet this year. We've just had so many things going on lately...I haven't even sent out my Christmas cards yet. We haven't put up lights, a tree, or anything. Bah Humbug! We will just be staying home for Christmas...not going out of town or anything. We're not very close to either of our families, and usually just do our own thing for Christmas. Our little tradition that we started several years back...we sleep in, lay around and are lazy and cozy most of the day. Them, we cook an awesome gourmet dinner for just the two of us. For dinner, we dress up and enjoy. After dinner, we go out to a movie...one of the great ones that just opened that day. I don't even know which movies are starting this Christmas...guess I better get to looking into that.

I am a Food Network freak...a few weeks ago, I saw Giada DeLaurentis make biscotti. It looked really easy, so I gave it a try...it is delicious. Maybe not as pretty as hers, but absolutely delicious. In case you want to give it a try...here's the recipe.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line a heavy large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl to blend.
Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar, butter, lemon zest, and salt in a large bowl to blend.
Beat in the eggs 1 at a time.
Add the flour mixture and beat just until blended.
Stir in the pistachios and cranberries.
Form the dough into a 13-inch long, 3-inch wide log on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake until light golden, about 40 minutes.
Cool for 30 minutes.
Place the log on the cutting board.
Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log on a diagonal into 1/2 to 3/4-inch-thick slices.
Arrange the biscotti, cut side down, on the baking sheet.
Bake the biscotti until they are pale golden, about 15 minutes.
Transfer the biscotti to a rack and cool completely.
Enjoy!

It was super easy to make...the only problem I had: You cook it for 40 minutes, then let it cool before you slice it to put back in the oven. When I sliced it, I found that the center was still a little raw. This cooked when it went in the oven the 2nd time, but it was a little ugly. It also broke up a little bit while it was sliced. Also, Giada dipped it in white chocolate, but I chose not to do that. Also, I used walnuts in the place of pistacios, just b/c that is what I had in the pantry. It was not so pretty, but very good. If you like biscotti, give it a try and enjoy.

andes mints are the best...

2007-12-10T22:38:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love Andes mints...I bought a package of them specifically for "spiking" my hot cocoa with. But then, they're awesome all by their little selves. I could eat the whole bag in one sitting...but then, that wouldn't be good, would it?

For a kitty update...Kahn is doing ok, not great. I'm going to take him back to the vet tomorrow, just to get his opinion. He seems uncomfortable, but not in pain. He doesn't want to eat his prescription cat food, so I'm having to mix it with other types of food, just to get him to eat something. He also doesn't like to eat by himself, so I've been having to sit with him and talk to him, to get him to eat. Oh, the things I would do for this little guy. Anyway, he is not terrible, but just doesn't seem to feel too hot. I'm going to ask the vet about giving him Sub-Q fluids...injecting fluid under the skin to help keep him from getting dehydrated and help his kidney function. Anyway, just trying to pamper him back into feeling better.

One of our other cats ended up with a trip to the ER vet on Saturday night. He vomited on Friday night, and was laying around kind of strangly. His belly felt very tight and he felt warmer than usual. Not knowing what was wrong with him, and not wanting to wait until Monday morning to have him checked out...we took him to the ER vet. After an exam, abdominal xray and all...his diagnosis...gas and constipation. So, an injection for nausea, one of antacid and some stool softener, we were on our way home. He is back to his normal self now...feeling much better. Poor guy.

I really can't handle any more drama around here. Seriously, when it rains, it pours. I'm just hoping that everything else that is going to bomb out waits a while. I am emotionally, mentally and financially drained right now. UGH! I really hope that 2008 will be a better year for us. Not that this year has been bad, but it just seems like it's been one thing after another all year long.

aaaahhhhh...law & order...

2007-12-06T21:49:00.000-05:00

Sitting here tonight watching Law & Order...there are several episodes on that I actually haven't seen before...it's awesome. I can't get enough of it. Are there any other Law & Order addicts out there, or am I the only one?

An update on my kitty Kahn...he was at the vet for 4 days, on fluids. He came home last Friday evening...he was doing a little better, but his bloodwork was not what it should have been. We watched him throughout the weekend...I was honestly concerned that he may not make it. He was really weak and sleepy. As the days have gone on, he's gotten a little better...his personality has come out again, and he's eating better. He's got partial kidney failure, and will be on special prescription food and meds for the rest of his life. I love my little guy so much, and am just glad he's feeling more like himself now.

what next???

2007-11-28T15:25:00.000-05:00

It's just one of those times...you know the ones I'm talking about...when everything goes wrong at once. When will it stop? What did I do, to cause or deserve all of this at once? I really can't emotionally handle anything else right now. Just to summarize what's been going on...

- my microwave is broken. About a week 1/2 ago, it started making strange noises and started smelling like it was melting. The thing is, it's the built-in kind above the stove, and at least $300 to buy a new one. You never realize how much you use those things, until you don't have it...major inconvenience.

- the husband's car needs to have some repairs done

- my car needs new tires very badly

- my clothes dryer stopped heating...the heating coil is ruined. This will be the second one that has burned out this year...and is about $90 to replace...so I had to take all my clothing & bedding to the laundrymat

- my sweet kittie that I spoke about the other day is still sick. He hasn't vomited any since last Friday, but was just not being himself. I took him in to the vet yesterday morning...the vet ran bloodtests. When I went by yesterday after work, (thinking I was picking him up to go home), he told me that Kahn's bloodwork does not look good. He is having kidney problems. They kept him (prob until Friday) and are giving him fluids and meds to help his kidneys. If they don't start working better, it's not going to be good. I can't handle losing my little guy. I cried the whole way home from the vet, and most of the night...don't know why I'm so upset...just don't have a good feeling. El Guapo and I are going to visit him after work today and get an update. Keep him in your thoughts...he's so precious to us.

- we just got news yesterday that we have to come up with an extra $3000 to pay off a pastdue bill by the end of December. We had previously been told it could be paid off over the next 6 months, but they changed their minds. Now, I'm stressing on how I'm going to cut corners and come up with this extra money. Like I needed something else to stress about right now.

- work has been crazy lately...my division is being taken over by another...and I don't even know what I'm going to be doing much longer. The person put over our division doesn't know what he's doing, and is driving me insane. I can't get him to do what he's supposed to do, and he is making me extremely angry.

- because of all of these issues...I've got huge knots in my shoulders and neck. The knots are to the point of stinging like bee stings and starting to get numb. Oh, what fun...I've got icepacks waiting when I get home tonight.

Don't mean for this to be such a sucky post...just a lot of worries on my mind right now and needed to vent. I hope nothing else goes wrong, b/c I really can't mentally or emotionally handle it right now. Why is it that when it rains, it pours?

who are you??

2007-11-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

I've noticed lots more red dots on my Clustrmap...that little map at the top right side of my page...one in South America, a few in Europe, lots more in the US, and is that New Zealand? If you're visiting, please stop by and let me know who you are. I'd love to link you on my blog.

catching up...

2007-11-20T21:04:00.000-05:00

El Guapo's birthday party was a week ago today...where did the week go? It was an awesome time...goofing around and catching up with friends. The rum cakes were a hit...I did not get a picture though...I'll still post the recipe later. The "boys" got a little wild...wrestling and having a sword fight...all while drunk...no injuries though...thank god. Anyway, the party was a blast.

Monday was El Guapo's actual birthday...after we got off work, we grabbed a bite to eat and then went to see American Gangster...it was really good. Not my all-time-fave, but really good. Denzel Washington was awesome...

I've kind of lost touch with my best friend from college over the last few years. She's moved around several times...her husband joined the Army a few years ago, and they've moved several times through his training and station assignments....I didn't even have a current phone number. I think of her often, but havn't talked to her in almost 2 years. Well, I've messaged her husband on myspace a few times, asking for him to have her call me...I finally got a message back from her the other day. I was shocked to find out...her husband is in Iraq right now. She is living in Kansas with her 2 1/2 year old son. I totally couldn't handle my husband risking his life in Iraq...I'd have had a nervous breakdown by now. She's strong though. Please keep her in your thoughts...and her husband...for him to return home safely. I'm excited to have "found" her again...

We were planning on going to Mississippi to spend Thanksgiving with friends and family...more friends than family actually...my family drives me insane. We decided to stay home a few days ahead of time...my car desperately needs tires before making an 8 hour trip, and the hubby's car needs some work done on it. We didn't need to spend money on both cars, and on a trip all at once, so we're going to go out for a visit in a month or so. This was actually our very first Thanksgiving dinner that we've cooked together...it was damn good too! We had an awesome Crockpot Turkey, mashed potatos, stuffing, green beans and pumpkin pie...yummy! And, now we've got days worth of leftovers!

Kahn, one of my sweet kitties, is not feeling too well. He vomited yesterday several times, and was obviously not feeling well at all last night. I was very close to taking him to the ER Vet, but he seemed to be feeling a little better within an hour or so. The husband sat up with him for most of the night, to make sure he was ok. He's eaten a couple of times this morning without vomiting, and is acting much better, but just like he doesn't feel quite right. He's sleeping right now...I hope he will be ok. I'm assuming since he's improved, that he'll continue to do so. If not, we'll end up at the ER Vet later on...our normal vet, which I love, is not open this afternoon or tomorrow. I'm thinking he's probably got a bad hairball, that has his tummy upset. He is bad about eating things he shouldn't eat though...he had surgery about 6 years ago for eating a big chunk of hard plastic. It had to be cut out of his stomach, b/c it wouldn't pass through. Crazy cat...but I love him so much. Anyway, hopefully Kahn will be back to himself soon...he's my precious first born. (He actually was our first born kitten...7 1/2 years ago)

Well, I guess that's about it for today...I've got housecleaning/organizing to do around here.

Saturday party night...

2007-11-17T12:36:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm up this morning making rum cakes for my hubby's birthday party tonight. They smell so good...I can't wait to slice into them tonight. I'll post pictures and the recipe later. We are having a quite large (prob around 24) get-together at a good friend's house tonight...I'm so glad that I don't have to clean my house for a party, and then clean up the mess after the party. I am a good friend though, I will be cleaning up his house before we leave. Anyway, getting a bunch of good friends together to watch the UFC fights, have rum cake, snacks and many other libations. I can't wait. We'll more than likely spend the night, b/c I want to drink too, and am majorly against drunk driving. I really can't wait...there will be quite a few friends there that we haven't seen in a while. Happy 30th Birthday El Guapo!! (well, actually Monday) Nothing better than good friends, good friends, good times...

anyone out there???

2007-11-05T17:30:00.000-05:00

Is anyone out there? Much like C, I often wonder who comes here to read my random thoughts, rants and craziness. If you're out there, and haven't commented, please leave me just one little comment, just to let me know that you are out there. Let me know that you do read my posts, that you do find some interest in what I write, or that you don't like it at all...whatever it may be. Tell me if there is something that you'd like to see more of here. Just let me know that you're out there...delurk yourselves and let me know who you are. Also, please let me know if it's ok if I link you on my page.

go mavs...

2007-10-31T21:43:00.001-05:00

I'm just sitting here tonight, watching the Mavs kick the Cavalier's butts, with kitties on my lap. My 16 pound Katrina cat stops by every now and then, to jump up and say hello. He is such a sweetie...a big ole silver tabby. We adopted him in January...he was very independant and wasn't very affectionate. His foster mom said that he usually kept to himself and didn't bother anyone. Well, he has definately changed...he has become a cuddlebug...loves to snuggle up with you and be a teddy bear. He loves to run and play with our other cats and seems truly happy. The interesting thing about Gaston...he was found in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and had a badly broken jaw. Surgery was performed on his jaw, and his 2 lower canine teeth had to be removed b/c of the dislocation. His jaw is crooked...his bottom jaw goes to one side, and his tongue sticks out the other side...he has no problems though, and is so cute with his little tongue sticking out. He makes my heart smile...I'm glad that he is happy with us. I love my kitties!

I've decided to take a leave of absence from school. I've been in Court Reporting school at night for almost the last 2 years. It is honestly wearing me out. I just feel burnt out and my heart is not in it right now. I feel like I'm just wasting my money. The company I work for is undergoing some major changes right now...being taken over by a "sister" company. This means I've become an employee of the larger company, and they offer tuition reimbursement, if you're going to school for something that will benefit your job. This has got me thinking...I may possibly go to a different school starting January, and finish my bachelor's in Accounting, b/c they'll pay for it. Accounting is not really something I want to do for the rest of my life, but they will pay for my school, give me a better position with the company upon graduation, and give me more money. I've got some thinking to do. Decisions...decisions... Anyway, I'm taking a leave of absence for the rest of the quarter, to get a break from the constant insanity...and to decide what I want to do.

El Guapo and I ran in Target the other night to pick up a few things...including 2 limes. When we were checking out, the young guy checking us out thought that the limes were avocados...how weird. We corrected him, telling him that they were limes. He then started looking on his cheatsheet for the code for limes, and couldn't find it. He then asked...are they a fruit? He really didn't know what a lime was...what do they teach kids these days???

feeling better...

2007-10-16T10:43:00.000-04:00

The later the day got yesterday, the worse I felt. I was nauseous, achy, stuffed up, coughing, just plain UGH! I went home after work, skipped school...took a hot bath with epson salt, took motrin and cough syrup and got in bed with my kitty cats. I feel much better this morning...thank god! On a sad note though, El Guapo had to stay home from work today, b/c he feels so bad. Poor thing...he couldn't talk at all this morning. I made him an appt with the doctor this afternoon, so hopefully he'll be feeling better soon. We've had our fair share of the cold/allergies these last few weeks...I'm ready for us both to feel good again.

good weekend...

2007-10-15T10:24:00.000-04:00

I had an awesome weekend w/ El Guapo...we had another date night Saturday night. We're so busy all of the time, so we're trying to make time to do special little things from time to time. We went to see Darjeeling Limited...a Wes Anderson movie. It was awesome...very Tenenbaum'ish. I just love those weird, awkward movies. Then, we ate at Fireside Pies...a cool "fancy" pizza place. We had some awesome mushroom brushetta, balsamic chicken pizza & an awesome miniature apple pie. Overall, a great night...I really enjoy our date nights. Then, when El Guapo came home from work and running a few errands last night, he had a beautiful bouquet of roses for me...a beautiful peach color. I'm so lucky...and in love!

On a different note...my tummy isn't feeling so well. I started having problems with it yesterday, and now just feel nauseous and gross. I hope this goes away soon.

I found a crazy gray hair in my head, while getting ready this morning. I have no idea how I've missed it...it was long and the entire thing was silver gray. I was shocked...I'm too young for that. Let's hope I don't find any more.

It's storming this morning. The drive to work took forever, b/c the lightening knocked the traffic lights out. I think it's supposed to rain all day...makes me want to go home and go back to bed. But, unfortunately, I've got school tonight, after work, so I won' t get home until late.

back to the grind...

2007-10-09T22:40:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm back in the swing of things, I suppose.

The new quarter at school is going smoothly...one of my teachers is awesome...love her...she will really help us to progress the way we should be. We have had not-so-great teachers the last few quarters, and were really getting depressed about it. This quarter is going to be good for me...i just know it.

As far as work...well, not even a week after I get back from vacation, my co-worker, who pretty much ran the place, told me he was leaving. Well, he attempted to put in his notice, and the owner blew up and told him to get out. So, he left abruptly, and now I'm left with no leader at all. The owner of our company is not involved at all, and hasn't taken it upon himself to hire anyone, or even show up the last few days. It's quite interesting...I'm not really sure what's going to happen there. I don't know if he thinks the company is just going to run itself or what, but I have noone to make any decisions. I'm just hoping that our "brother company" will get a clue and buy us out...that would mean administrative support as well as better benefits. I'll just have to wait and see.

I finished off my vacation week with the beginnings of a cold/allergy attack. I finally went to the doctor last Tuesday, and he said it was just allergies. I've never coughed so much in my life. It's finally getting better now, but now El Guapo has something similar. The weather/allergies are all messed up around here, b/c we've had such a weird year weather-wise...with all the rain for months, mild summer, still having warm weather. It's mid-October and the leaves aren't even turning yet.

I talked to my Mom a few nights ago...she makes me ill. She recently moved from MS to NC, to live with my brother. Shortly after she moved, my brother and his wife had their second son. Personally, I think they just wanted her to move in so they'd have someone to take care of the kids...neither of them have any patience, or a sense of humor...poor kids. It's a strange situation, and I've yet to figure out why exactly they made this arrangement. My brother has always been the golden child...never could do anything wrong. Now that my mom is living with him, of course he is all she can talk about. She's not concerned with what I've got going on at all...it's all him, his wife and the babies...UGH! Makes me want to vomit. I'm just waiting for her to start giving me grief about the holidays. I made it clear to her before she moved that we wouldn't be able to come out there for quite a while. It's a 20+ hour drive...and a $1000 roundtrip plane ticket. I'm working and in school...don't have the time to drive, and don't have the money to fly. As it gets closer to the holidays, I'm just waiting for her grief...she's so good at it, but I'm even better at being a stubborn bitch :)

That's about it...not much else exciting going on around here.

vacation week coming to an end...

2007-09-30T16:34:00.000-04:00

Well, our week of vacation is coming to an end. No more lazy, sleeping in, not doing much of anything days for a while. It has been a good week...nothing too exciting, but lots of relaxation and time with the hubby. Tomorrow, I go back to work, and start a new quarter at night school. Back to my busy crazy schedule with not much free time. Oh well, that's life.

awesome date evening...

2007-09-29T17:21:00.000-04:00

El Guapo and I went on an awesome date this evening...went to see "Across the Universe"...the musical with all Beatle's music...absolutely awesome. I had to hunt for a theatre that was showing it, and am so glad i finally found one. Definately a must see

After the movie, we went to eat at Fogo De Chao...a Brazilian Churrascaria restaurant. It was awesome...huge gourmet salad bar, followed by more meat than you could ever eat. The meat is all cooked over a fire...smoked with an awesome crunchy salty crust. Delicious...I think it's our new favorite restaurant.

Perfect date night...I love my hubby so much!

Japanese Gardens in Ft. Worth...

2007-09-25T16:40:00.000-04:00

Today, we went to the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens...my favorite is the Japanese Gardens with the walkways, bamboo, maple trees, waterfalls and coi. It is so relaxing and peaceful...I wish I could build something similar in my own backyard. Here are some pics... (I have absolutely no idea why blogger is messing with my spacing...if anyone knows how to fix this, please let me know)

We also visited the other gardens there...

little bit of this...little bit of that...

2007-09-20T21:27:00.000-04:00

It's been a while again...what's been going on around here...

- work, school, work, school, work, school...you get the idea

- I am unfortunately not being able to transfer to online school...it is incredibly more expensive, and I was going to have to get outside loans in addition to student loans to pay for it. I'm just going to have to keep on going at night.

- Next week is our school break between quarters...me & El Guapo are taking vacation time next week. We aren't going anywhere (can't afford a trip), but are going to stay around Dallas and find fun things to do each day. It will just be nice to have a whole week without work or school.

- I've started Weight Watchers Online. I've got to lose weight...need to lose around 40 pounds. I have gradually gained weight over the last few years...especially since starting school. I just haven't had time to work out...had to cancel my kickboxing classes when I started night school. Anyway, I'm now counting my "points",and I'm really amazed at how little food I'm supposed to eat. I may very well starve to death soon. Next week, while I'm home from work and school, I've got to get on a work out plan...I'm going to have to start getting up early to exercise, b/c I don't have time at night.

Well, that's about it...just busy, busy.

a few more new orleans pictures...

2007-08-14T15:57:00.000-04:00

St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square

There was a "Red Dress Hash" in New Orleans the weekend we were there. Thousands of people got together in red dresses, wigs, just about anything, then ran a race, and partied. There were some very interesting outfits, if you could imagine.

Here's a pic of me & El Guapo...I had to have a friend take this picture. We have a picture of us in front of this same fountain from 8 years ago on our Honeymoon.

New Orleans...updated with pictures

2007-08-13T20:18:00.000-04:00

We spent the weekend in New Orleans with friends...it was a blast! We left Dallas in the wee hours of the morning on Friday, and drove straight through. Got into town, and ate our our old standby...Cafe Maspero on the corner of Decatur. It was just like I remembered it. I was glad to see that the Quarter was still the way I remembered it...didnt' really know what to expect since I hadn't been back since Katrina. It was a little cleaner, and seemed to have less crime. There were a few mimes, kids dancing with bottle caps on the bottoms of their shoes...and the usual passed out people along the side of Bourton Street. We spent our nights bar hopping on Bourbon Street...and consuming lots of drinks...especially at Razzoo's. You just can't beat the 3-for-one drinks at happy hour. It was a blast of a weekend...I can't wait to go back.

Here's a mime that we say shortly after ariving...we saw him throughout the quarter all weekend. I wonder if he realizes what he's doing to himself with all of that metallic paint.

Just a view of a "normal" apartment in New Orleans.

8 whole years...

2007-08-06T14:18:00.000-04:00

Today is the 8th wedding anniversary of El Guapo and I...8 whole years! Eight years since we stood in the courtroom (which happened to be housed in the jail) of our college town, with a few friends, and were married by a Judge Judy look-a-like. There were prisoners walking down the hall chain-ganged together in their orange jumpsuits. It was definately a strange day, but that fits us perfectly. Happy Anniversary Honeybunn, my lover and best friend...I love you so much!

catching up...

2007-08-04T12:33:00.001-04:00

It's been a while...I've just had way too many things going on. Here's for catching up...

I'm almost half way through another quarter of school...that's court reporting school. The driving time (almost 2 extra hours on school days), distractions and stress are about to kill me. I'm constantly stressed, have no time for excercising, no time for myself...something's got to change. I think I have my solution. In the next few weeks, I'm going to transfer to my school's online program. The night program that I'm currently in is half time, and the online program that I'm transferring into is full time. This means I'm going to have to be disciplined...come home from work, eat dinner (which I don't get to do on school nights now), and get to school work. I'll have to put more time into it that I currently am, but all the time that I put into it will be productive and from home. I won't be wasting time driving, dealing with distractions from other people, waiting for teachers to get class going, etc. This change is going to be challenging, but I'm ready for it.

We've been trying to spend more time with friends lately. We've had several pool parties at friend's houses, as well as going out, and having friends over for drinks at our house. It seems like everyone has so much going on, it's hard to get people together. We spent time with two other couples a week or so ago...helping one of them move. We hadn't seen them in a while, b/c of everyone's schedules...it was really great to hang out with old friends.

My little cousin is in town this weekend. She came with her boyfriend and three other friends. They're 18, 20 & 21. It's definately strange, and the age difference is surely noticable. She's 8 years younger than me, and we haven't really spent much time together, b/c I was married and moved away by the time she was 13. It's nice to have them here for a visit, but just weird. We had planned to take them out, but they seem totally content just shopping at the mall, sitting and talking and doing their own thing. Today, they're gone to the Project Revolution concert, and tomorrow they'll go back home to MS.

Oh how I love Ann Taylor Loft! They had an awesome sale this week, and I got around $300 worth of clothes for just $100...2 pair of capris, 1 pair of shorts and 3 shirts. Didn't need to spend the money, but it was just too great of a deal to pass up.

Next weekend we'll be going to New Orleans with a bunch of friends. I can't wait...I really need this break! El Guapo and I used to live an hour from there, and spent quite a bit of time there in our college years. We even spent our honeymoon there almost exactly 8 years ago. I'm hoping we can sneak away from the friends for a nice anniversary dinner together while we're there. We'll be staying 1/2 block off of Bourbon street...I can't wait!

I have the most awesomely sweet kitties in the world. One in particular today is super clingy and being so sweet. Gaston is our Katrina kitty...we adopted him from a foster group here in Dallas that got him from New Orleans right after Hurricane Katrina. He was skin & bones when they got him...his jaw had been badly broken...so bad that his bottom canine teeth were digging into the roof of his mouth, and he couldn't eat. They did surgery on his jaw and had to pull his canines. His jaw is still crooked, but it's cute b/c his tongue sticks out the side of his mouth now. He doesn't let it bother him though...he's a pig is weighs almost 16 pounds now. It took him about 6 months to warm up to us, but he's a cuddlebug now. He's been kind of disturbed with the cousin and friends here, and since they're gone to their concert today, he's ready for love. He's been following me around and in my lap all day. Right now, he's laying beside me dreaming...it's so funny when their little whiskers and feet move while they're sleeping! I wonder what he's dreaming of.

Well, that's about all that's been going on around here...well, except for work, school and all the everyday things.

Birthday weekend...

2007-07-02T13:49:00.000-04:00

I celebrated my birthday this weekend...I'm really getting old now...almost 30. Myself, ElGuapo, and two other guy friends went out to PF Chang's for dinner, and then to Chaucer's in Addison for drinks. It was a nice relaxing and fun night. It was only the four of us though...everyone else already had plans for the weekend and couldn't come. No big deal though...I wasn't really in the mood for a big deal anyway.

well, let's see...

2007-06-25T20:04:00.000-04:00

I took Friday off work, for a doc appt and a few other things I needed to handle. My back has been hurting lately...this weird pinching feeling on one side when i bend forward. By the end of the day, it is really achy in the entire center of my back. I went to El Guapo's orthepod...they did x-rays and didn't find anything. He is sending me for an MRI, to rule out a pinched nerve or disk problem. Only one problem...my insurance covers 90% of MRI's, but only after my deductible is met. It may have to wait a while...just hope it doesn't get any worse.

Last night, we had some friends over for dinner, and to make plans for a trip to New Orleans in a few months. I can't wait. We used to live about an hour from there, when we were in college, and spent a lot of time there. In fact, we spent our honeymoon there. It will be nice to go back...haven't been there since before Katrina...I hope it is recognizable.

I've got some extra time this week, b/c it's my break between quarters at school. I actually get to come home at night after work. By the end of the week, I'm sure I'll be bored to death and not know what to do with myself. I'm not used to all this free time.

It's storming outside again...rained on and off all day, and there's a thunderstorm going on right now. I think Big D is going to wash away.

Rain, rain & more rain...

2007-06-20T09:35:00.001-04:00

I was awoken to rain and thunder again this morning. The thunder wasn't as bad as it was a few nights ago though when I thought for sure that the whole neighborhood was being struck. DFW has gotten so much rain lately. The part of Lake Lewisville that is right by our house has risen so much...it used to be a little 12 ft wide trickle, and now it's huge and really deep. It seems to grow every day, with all of the rain we've been getting. I guess we can't complain though, b/c this time last year, we were getting no rain. Goodbye water restrictions.

Back home...

2007-06-18T22:00:00.000-04:00

Well, we've safely returned from our trip back in time to Mississippi. It is always so weird to visit there, b/c nothing or no one ever changes. Overall it was a pretty good trip. I got some of my old things from my mom's house, before she moves off to North Carolina. It was definately strange going through some of my old stuff, that I haven't seen in probably 10 years. I kept a few things, but many of the old toys and things are being thrown away, donated, or sold on ebay. Oh, and we got to see our "niece" for the first time...the 4 month old daughter of some of our very best friends. Little Stella is adorable...I've never seen a baby smile so much. We made it home, with only a few sprinkles of rain, thankfully. I hate traveling in the rain. I'll post some pics of our trip soon.

Wonderful Weekend...

2007-06-11T15:15:00.000-04:00

El Guapo and I had a wonderful weekend. We went out on Friday night after work with some good friends (B & H) that we haven't seen in a while. Went to this really cool little place, Zin Zen Wine Bar in McKinney. It was nice just visiting and catching up with them. We're all so busy that we just don't get a chance to do that very often. Then, Saturday, we went over to another friend's (J & H) cookout. Got to hang out and have some drinks with some really good friends (F & H, E & A). It was a really nice weekend for a change...not very productive, but fun. Nothing better than good friends, good drinks & good food.

2007-06-08T15:21:00.000-04:00

Nothing better than fresh hot homemade tamales...yum yum. Just one of the perks of living in TX.

2007-06-07T14:43:00.000-04:00

Just a couple of cool fortune-cookie fortunes from Pei-Wei...

- Doors will be opening for you in many areas of your life.
- Happier days are definately ahead for you.

quarter-acre-woods

ghosts and things...

end of 2007...finally...

3 long hours...

nougatocity...

andes mints are the best...

aaaahhhhh...law & order...

what next???

who are you??

catching up...

Saturday party night...

anyone out there???

go mavs...

feeling better...

good weekend...

back to the grind...

vacation week coming to an end...

awesome date evening...

Japanese Gardens in Ft. Worth...

little bit of this...little bit of that...

a few more new orleans pictures...

New Orleans...**updated with pictures**

8 whole years...

catching up...

Birthday weekend...

well, let's see...

Rain, rain & more rain...

Back home...

Wonderful Weekend...

New Orleans...updated with pictures