Robin's Hood

Lead By Example

2011-10-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

I miss Joel's blogs. I miss hearing what he's thinking about on the road because, frankly, his head gets filled with most of our thoughts at home once he lands back here. Holiday schedules, doctors appointments, Lucy tidbits, dinner plans etc. etc. etc. I miss hearing what he thinks about what's happening in the world, who he's listening to on his music box and what he's reading. I guess I could ask...but I love the way he writes. And most of the time when I ask he gets interrupted mid-story by me, phone, Lucy, whatnot...

So, sweet husband, I'm leading by example. I'm kicking up the blog. I always put it off because I think I need pictures for every one or that I should write about something earth shattering. Fact is...life just doesn't happen that way 'round here. It's filled with tiny extraordinary moments...sometimes big ones...but mostly the little ones that I think would impress no one but me. I have random thoughts - there's Facebook for that. I have intermittant genius ideas - then talk myself out of them. And sometimes I have long dialogue with my inner self that NO ONE wants to hear.

So I'm rallying my followers - all three of you - to let Joel know you miss his blog. WE miss his blog. Won't you support my cause?

President's Day...

2011-02-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

Here are some random observations to consider for Monday, February 21...

1.) Reading what people say on TV is much more telling of how inarticulate people are than listening to what people say on TV. I learned this at World Gym this morning. Poor Rachel Ray.

2.) Paying upwards of $50 per personal training session should entitle the trainee to kick the trainer in the shin every time the trainer yawns. I also learned this at World Gym this morning while watching a session from the treadmill.

3.) I used to think that tourist season traffic was the worst in NB - but have observed today that it might be Federal Holidays. How do all of our government officials NOT know how to drive?

4.) Lucy loves the sunshine. The sunshine loves Lucy.

5.) There are some folks in the world that take "To thine own self be true" just a little too far. It often baffles me the extent to which individuals can turn any situation about any body into something about themselves, good or bad.

6.) Lucy sleeps better when she falls asleep in her Daddy's lap than anywhere else.

7.) I have been reminded by a 5 year old how much I love astrology. And how much I don't know about it.

8.) I still am taken aback by the fact that Joel and I have a little girl. A nine month old little girl. And I can't imagine what life was like without her.

9.) Shopping for things that are supposed to save said little girl's life is hard (i.e. car seat).

10.) I wish I knew more about the Presidents that this day is supposed to be celebrating.

The kids are alright...

2011-02-20T15:03:00.001-08:00

I love movies. I love movie popcorn. I love movie popcorn with a big pickle and seasoning salt. I love movie popcorn with a big pickle and seasoning salt and a 2 gallon diet coke to wash it all down. I love movie popcorn with a big pickle and seasoning salt and a 2 gallon diet coke to wash it all down while sitting next to my husband. It's my favorite date. We found a theater in San Antonio that is somewhat like the Alamo Drafthouses (did I mention that one of our first dates was going to see a movie at the old Drafthouse in Austin and I had to ride the "lift" because of my broken foot? Did I also mention this was the first "save the date" date? Did I mention that it was so my sweet (now) husband could take me to an ABBA movie?). But really, I like the impromptu trip to the movies...middle of the afternoon or just an early evening out. Dinner AND a movie always throws a kink in the popcorn schematic.

BUT...

Movies are few and far between unless they are on Netflix and I usually fall asleep WAY before they even reach the plot development portion of the movie. In fact I rarely make it past character introductions. So Joel watches a lot of political mumbojumbo docs that I usually can't even pronounce. We have had a record year, though at the movie theater. We saw True Grit on New Years Day in Oklahoma City before Joel had to go to work that night and we saw The King's Speech on Valentines Day. Know what those two movies have in common? They are both nominated for Oscars. So are most of the docs that Joel has watched.

WATCH OUT Plumb Oscar Party. The Plumb's like to go against the grain. In true fashion, rather than a pish posh Superbowl party they go for the Superbowl of Oscar parties. I mean they go ALL. OUT. International food stations, movie popcorn (MOVIE POPCORN) and sweet sweet treats. They invite all their friends, we pitch in $10 a ballot and someone goes home about $150 richer by the end of the night. Let me mention that it never has been me OR Joel. But this year...

I found The Social Network and Winter's Bone on demand. Toy Story 3 is available on demand as well (this week's pick). We saw The Kids Are Alright last year at the fancy food theater in SA on date night (I think Mammy babysat for us that night) and we rented Inception from iTunes. So with the exception of 127 Hours, The Fighter and Black Swan we have seen all of the flicks nominated for best picture. I know there are people out there that have seen them all. Most of them will be at the Plumb's Oscar Party. My friend Brooke saw 53 movies IN THEATERS last year. That's a LOT of movies. And a LOT of hours at movie theaters.

We're missing 4 movies and two of them are gone from theaters around here. The two that are the frontrunners. We came so close to seeing them all. I want to WIN this year. With Joel's documentary expertise and vast knowledge of the all the other categories that I have no clue what is actually being awarded, the least I could do is contribute the knowledge of one category. But I guess we will have to resort to what we have done in years past...hobknob with the movie theater manager and the retirees...they always have the best advice just before ballots are due.

I can't really explain this obsession. I look forward to the Plumb's Oscar party every year, all year long. Maybe it's the people there. Same folks there for the past 4 years that I've been...it's the only time I EVER see them and it's only once a year but it's FUN. Maybe it's conversations about something other than music. Maybe it's being in a room full of people - like me - who root for movies when they win the way that other people root for football. Maybe it's the international food stations. But I'm betting it's the movie popcorn.

7 days people. 7 days til the Oscars! I'll let you know how we do.

Johnny Depp

2010-11-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am and always have been a fan of Johnny Depp. I had forgotten how much I like him until recently when, in two days, these three things happened:

Some friends of ours here in town dressed their three kids in three JD characters for Halloween (Edward Scissorhands, the Mad Hatter and Jack Sparrow). It reminded me of all the great movies he's been in - and the characters he morphed into to make those movies what they are.
While searching for a Beatles video on YouTube, a Letterman interview of JD popped up. Randomly. Its the great one where he proclaims (repeatedly) that he does not watch his own movies. That his focus is on the process and once the process of acting is over for him, what happens with the film is "none of his business."
My Netflix account recommended to me yesterday that I add Johnny Depp movies to my que. (I did, btw. )

I admire his work ethic and how he chooses his characters...I respect how he talks about his life and his family and children. I appreciate that he doesn't live here or swim in the sewage of hollywood. And I'll admit, he's not hard to look at. He takes his work seriously and believes it to be his craft - not just a ticket to stardom. And here's one more reason to love Johnny Depp..

On October 8, 2010, Depp made an unannounced appearance at a London Primary School near where he was filming scenes for the fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. He turned up dressed as his character Jack Sparrow after receiving a letter from a pupil asking for his help with a class mutiny.

So here's to Jonny Depp...and Gilbert Grape, Edward Scissorhands, Cry-Baby, Officer Tom Hanson, Sam from Benny & June, William Blake, Don Juan, Raoul Duke, Ichabod Crane, Willy Wonka, Ed Wood...

If you haven't see the episode of Inside the Actors Studio with him, you can check out part 1 here. (The other rest is avail on YouTube as well).

The Night Time...

2010-11-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am always hoping that Lucy will sleep all night. It's the primary focus in our night time preparations, from playtime to bath time to feeding. Our evening schedule is structured around bed...we play, we eat rice cereal, we play some more, then bath (followed immediately by at least 15 minutes of "running man"), then pj's, bottle and bed. Sometimes it's 7:30 - sometimes it's 9. Regardless - the mission is the same - to send her to dreamland as equipped as possible (bathed, new diaper, full tummy, loads of loving and hugs) to be able to sleep all night.

At this point it's hit or miss. I have learned that there is no rhyme or reason as to why she does or does not sleep all night. Just when I THINK I've learned some tricks (something soft in her hands to fall asleep holding, blanket on lower half of her body only, etc.) *BAM* she wakes up. Sometimes it's 10 pm, sometimes it's midnight...sometimes it's 3 am. And sometimes - like last night - it was not at all.

Success!!

BUT...

When she sleeps all night I wake up...in a panic. My internal clock goes off and if we haven't heard her all night my mind races about all the bad things that might have happened ranging from SIDS to being kidnapped. A bit extreme? Yes indeed. (C'mon, moms...I'm not the only one, right?)

I rush to her room to find find her a.) there. b.) breathing and c.) sawing logs. Now here's the weird part. At that moment, when I'm standing at her side trying to make my eyes focus on her chest to confirm a normal breathing pattern, I wish she were awake. Because being that close to her and NOT touching her or holding her feels abnormal. Watching her sleep peacefully all night in her own bed means she CAN, in fact, live without me. It's her first independent act. Sometime I linger there...just in case she wakes, so that I can swoop in and comfort her and escort her back to sleep. So I can rescue her.

It's then that I realize how much I love the night time with Lucy. I love watching her stir, listening to her sweet coo's, hearing her breathe and sigh and feeling her reach out to touch my face or hold my shoulder and snuggle up against me. I love watching her. I love smelling her and I love the quiet peace in the middle of the night where I can just rock her and soak her up. I sometimes have to MAKE myself put her back in her crib and go back to bed. When I can't seem to make myself, she comes back to the big bed with me and we lay there whispering to each other until we both fall back asleep. It's magical. And I don't ever want it to go away.

What it boils down to, I suppose, is that we love to be needed. While we are wishing away the days for the next landmark event in their lives like crawling or walking or school or driving or college or marriage or grandkids...each of those landmarks means another notch on the ladder of self sufficiency for our kids. And while I want nothing more than for us to raise an independent, free thinking, self sufficient individual - deep down and very selfishly I don't ever want to let go of being the rescuer.

I'm sure tonight as I go to bed I'll hope again that Lucy sleeps all night. But really, it won't bother me one bit if she doesn't.

P.S. - Mom, if you're reading this. You may now say "I told you so." Love you!

Sweet Dreams Bakery...

2010-10-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

If you follow me on facebook, I'm sure you've seen my posts about Sweet Dreams Bakery. The bakery has been a dream of our good friend, Sandra Plumb's, for many years. Last year she decided to shelve her job as a librarian (like my pun?) and go for it. We all waited in anticipation as she occasionally teased us with samples of what would come...green bread made with organic wheat flour, zucchini, carrots and love...cupcakes filled with things like carmel, fresh strawberry puree or bananas. She and her sweet husband Calvin (Doc) would surprise us at the office with a dozen of various flavors to test. She did special orders for showers and weddings, etc. over the summer to spread the word and develop a "fan base" here in NB. And what a following they have.

The bakery opened in late summer (FINALLY) and has been booming since then. It's so booming that you have to get up awfully early to get the goods. The sausage and cheese kolaches are usually the first to go, followed rapidly by the poppyseed rolls - then the ham and swiss. Joel plans the mornings that he drives to Buda around the bakery - so he has time to stop for a cup of their fantastic coffee and a poppyseed roll. I feel like a pastry hoarder when I go in there. Every day there is a new cupcake flavor that I haven't tried - so I pick one up. But then I feel bad that I don't get my favorite flavor (either "The Elvis" - which is a chocolate cupcake with banana filling, peanut butter frosting and caramelized bacon on top - or the "Peachy Keen" - which is a white cupcake with chunks of fresh peaches in it, topped with peach buttercream icing mixed with peaches and of course, topped with peaches) so I grab one of those. I always feel bad for eating sweets for breakfast so I rationalize that I will save the cupcakes for later and get a ham and swiss kolache for breakfast. Only NOW she's making all sorts of flavors like Mediterranean with feta cheese and olives, or Spinach and Artichoke with feta. So the only logical thing to do is try one of each - to go of course - for lunch. By this point I have enough baked goods to feed half of NB.

The upside is that the girls at the office love seeing me walk in now when they hear the crinkling of the Sweet Dreams Bakery sacks. We spread it all out in the kitchen and sample it all...

Hope if you're ever this way you'll give them a try!

Sweet Dreams Bakery

He Carries Her on His Back...

2010-10-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

Q: How Many Times Can You Start Over?

2010-09-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

A: As many as we want to.

In life, in love, in our careers, in our goals...in blogging. I'm learning to not give up when I feel like I've hit the end of a trail. So I'm not giving up on this blog. I think every day about it. I write myself notes to remember to blog about (fill in the blank). I have lists that consist of recipes, baby stories, Joel stories, music, work...most of which I can't decipher anymore. So I'm starting my lists over.

I'm also starting my list of "to do's" over. Things around the house and pertaining to Lucy. First on my list has been to update my blog space to reflect our new family so that all of us are in a pic. But we don't have a picture of all of us because one of us is always taking the picture (Lucy's GREAT at photography already ;-). So my first first item on my list will be to find a pic of all three...ahem...four of us (poor Dude - he really has been knocked down a few notches on the family ladder). Picnic may be my first stop.

I'll be expanding my blog a bit. I need an outlet for so many of the other things going on in my head - work, etc. So I'll be venting a lot here. I hope you can tolerate that (if there's any "yous" out there still). I promise to keep it in balance - and hope to use this outlet as a gauge for the balance in the rest of my life.

Cheers, family! Here's to starting over again, again.

Not Enough Time in the Day...

2010-06-12T13:00:00.001-07:00

Oh. My. Goodness.

I rarely admit defeat. Okay...I NEVER admit defeat. And I won't be starting here - but holy time warp, Batman...where do the hours go???

For example, the last time I checked today it was almost 11. Now it's 3:03. I haven't showered or washed dishes or organized the diaper bag for our trip out of the house this afternoon. I haven't done a load of laundry or paid our bills or cleaned up my fake "office" that has taken over the dining room table. I haven't put together Dad's Father's day gift or swept the kitchen or even sliced the yummy loaf of bread I picked up at the grocery store to snack on. I haven't gone outside to play with Dude or cleaned up the coke that exploded in the fridge (or had my caffeine for the day, now that I think about it). I haven't trimmed my fingernails or started Lucy's baby book. I haven't even brushed my teeth. How's THAT one for you.

But Lucy has chosen today to be awake. She's not fussy - she doesn't cry. She just wiggles and kicks and coos and make me smile and laugh and want to stare at her for about four more hours.

But I do think I will cut this short to brush my teeth (and get some caffeine).

Lucy, Lucy My Gal...

2010-05-31T13:30:00.000-07:00

We are living in bliss. Words can not describe...so I'll let the pics.

Just an ordinary weekend...

2010-05-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

Last night Joel and I had movie & pizza night. It was pre-planned. One of the items on our short list of what we wanted to do before movies are watched in 15 minute increments over the course of three days. We also went to the grocery store to stock up on food for family, snacks for the hospital and - lets face it - just so I could get in one more trip to one of my favorite places, the grocery store.

I woke up this morning at 9. Much later than I normally do. I rolled over (slowly and much like a rotisserie chicken thanks to this belly), kissed my husband on the cheek and SLOWLY rolled the other way to start the long process of sitting up and getting out of bed. I know this all sounds dramatic and oh so labored - if you've been there, hollah. If not, don't judge ;-). When I stood up, there before me sat the baby's bassinet.

I shuffled to the bathroom (ALWAYS the first stop in the mornings) and then shuffled to the kitchen (ALWAYS the second stop in the mornings) catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror along the way, bigger than ever and thought "I might miss this belly."

I fixed my preggo breakfast of an Eggo waffle with peanut butter, a banana and a glass of 1/2 skim and 1/2 chocolate milk and plopped down in our glider where we will spend countless hours, no doubt, holding and feeding and comforting our baby girl.

Joel got up and fixed his breakfast - blueberry frosted mini wheats. I didn't even know so many cereals existed - but then, that's what happens when Joel goes to the grocery store with me. He started the washing machine for me while I sorted through one more load of receiving blankets and tiny hooded towels.

He got a phone call from my dad about hotel rooms for this week and he took it in the nursery, sitting in the rocking chair.

It's so quiet - and peaceful and calm here. But there is a VERY electric energy in the house. Everywhere are the reminders of what is to come. Calm before the storm comes to mind - but it's more than that. We are teetering on the edge of coupledom and full on family. In a matter of days there is no teetering. We will be the Schoepf family...not just the Schoepfs. It's still incredible. It's still unbelievable.

Today we are running errands, writing thank you notes, cooking dinner...tomorrow we are going to the Floathouse for a cheeseburger, maybe to the Americana Jam at Gruene Hall. Just an ordinary weekend. Let it be known it has been documented here - so that when we look back and wonder what we used to fill our time with, we'll have record.

May...be, baby...

2010-05-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our 3 Year Anniversary last week. Me and my best friend, Joel Charles Schoepf, Jr. I can't believe it's been three years. I feel like we just got married. Rather than scanning the past three years as a horizontal time line, I see it more like a stack of pancakes...sweet, delicious, blueberry and buckwheat pancakes - with one occurrence no sweeter than the next - but instead adding layers to our sweet life. I love thinking about our life and all that we have had the opportunity to enjoy together...all the travel and shows and freedoms that we have had...it's been amazing. Here's to you, babe. I can't remember what life was like before you...and I don't really want to.

Speaking of sweet layers, we are ONE WEEK away from our due date! I can't believe it. All the stories that everyone tried to tell me in the beginning about how flying time comes to a screeching halt towards the end, they were true. The nursery is ready, the house is ready, Joel is home, I'm wrapping up my work...we are ready!!!! But she, however, is not. Tomorrow will be 39 weeks and the little booger is still breech. The doctor isn't worried...so I'm not (much). I'm a bit thrown, but only a little bit. I have known all along that pregnancies don't always go the way we plan them...and neither do deliveries. I keep telling myself not to rush it - not to be anxious. Animals are not given a due date...they don't live in anticipation of a day on the calendar to give birth. They keep themselves busy and occupied with their normal everyday grazing and nut collecting and dam building. I'm trying to live like that. Patience has NEVER been one of my strong points...so "trying" is saying a lot. In regard to the breechness I'm walking, swimming, drinking water, spending lots of time on my hands and knees...I'm trying all the wives tales so we'll see what happens. Whether she flips or not, we are focused on a healthy baby and remembering that just because this process does not go as planned it is not a failure. And grinning slightly at the way she is already teaching us that regardless of our planning, she has the upper hand.

Joel is home for the next month and a half. We are on cruise control. We'll keep you updated!

Soaking it all in...

2010-03-29T17:40:00.001-07:00

It's really hard for me to go to work when Joel is off the road. I spend the mornings piddling around the house, popping in our bedroom every few minutes to hop on the bed and re-snuggle with him and looking for any excuse to...not...leave...his...side. Most of the time I try to take a day off when he's home for a short time. Sometimes work just doesn't allow it.

So lately I've been wrestling with how to balance all this when our "little human" (as Joel calls her) gets here. It goes back to that feeling of being overwhelmed. I can't imagine how to add more to our lives right now. But I know we will. And she, along with we, will grow together to figure it out.

Tonight Joel called me just as I was leaving the office. He said he was on the porch with Dude...so I raced home to join them. After we got part of our dinner prepared, we worked on the sprinkler system and chatted in our driveway with neighbor from down the street who has a one-year old. Gradually, we moved back to the porch where we sat together for the evening...intermittantly chatting, reading, tossing the Frisbee for Dude and cooking dinner on the grill. We have listened to the rhythm of the neighborhood dogs barking, the beeping of the construction going on outside the subdivision and we can hear the high school baseball game being announced from here. There are lawn mowers roaring in back yards, kids playing on trampolines and all sorts of birds chirping everywhere. I can hear it all from where I sit. And it makes me feel like part of something bigger. Although it is "noise," it's "life noise" - and I find it oddly peaceful. It's a bit of a cacophony - but a beautiful one.

And I supposed that is how we will manage in the upcoming months. It may be messy, and unorchestrated...but it will be part of something bigger. And I have no doubt, it will be beautiful.

Happy Birthday to my sweet sweet husband...

2010-03-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

I know...this post is a couple of days late. But it's just as heartfelt. To my sweet sweet husband. I love you more than I ever ever ever thought possible. And more today than yesterday..

Happy, happy birthday, baby!

Ommmmmmmmm...

2010-02-27T18:23:00.001-08:00

I have been saying for WEEKS that I wanted to start yoga. I have a pregnancy yoga DVD here at the house, which is fine and all, but I like interaction. I like having someone guide me by talking me through what I'm doing - especially with something as "personal" as yoga. The last class I took was on Valentines day last year with Shannon and Kim. We had no clue it was a "Valentine" class we were taking. Every pose was a couple's pose designed to do with your "partner" so there were three of us trying to look each other in the eye(s) and "feel each others love." Aside from being just a little awkward, it was a great experience - I just never made the time to go back. And I've been told that the breathing techniques and the meditation can be life savers during delivery. So after a month or so of hem-hawing around and making excuses, I finally went.

And I'm sold.

It's hard to pick my favorite part...stretching, or breathing or just doing something physical for our bodies - mine and this babe's. Shavasana (I think that is the correct term) is the end of the class...laying on your back, palms up, eyes closed...it was awesome. It felt so good (don't worry, she set me up with pillows and mats so my baby belly was supported)...mentally and physically and spiritually to just be still and quiet and at peace. At peace.

Sarah (the owner of the studio) talked to me for a long time after the class. I guess she started yoga in her third trimester of her first pregnancy...just like me :). And she has been doing it ever since. I'm as impressed with her fitness as much as anything, but what strikes me is her demeanor. She emits calmness.

Like I said, I'm sold. I can't wait to go back.

I hope you all found some quiet and peace today, too. :)

Shavasana

Be Here Now...

2010-02-23T17:20:00.000-08:00

It seems to be a recurring phrase I'm being exposed to..."Be Here Now." I read it on a friend's blog, I heard it from a very wise loved one, I got it as advice from a family friend...It's an Oasis song, a Ray Lamontagne song...

Be here now...

I'm a planner by nature. Always have been and to some degree, always will be. I think about the future - I mean THE FUTURE. From "how will we teach her how to water ski?" to "how do we make sure we will be able to retire?" I'm talking FUUUUUTUUURE. I fret about it a lot, actually.

Be here now...

I'm ready to be here now. I'm ready to be forced into the present. Just look at yesterday...and today...beautiful. Why would I want to spend them in the abyss of what-ifs?

Be here now...

Home, Sweet Stewy Home

2010-02-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

I played hooky yesterday so I could spend it with my husband. No agenda, no plans, no errands...just flying by the seat of our pants. It was awesome. We both took our time to get around yesterday - I went for a (LONG) walk with a good friend and then Joel and I headed to Wimberly with the intention of looking for a print Joel found a while back. We didn't find the print but we did find some other fun goodies.

It was such a great afternoon - just wondering around the little shops, not really looking for anything but looking at everything. And the weather was beautiful...perfect in fact. We got to have dinner with sweet Joyce and we were home in bed watching a movie by 8. It really was one of those days that we are cherishing right now.

Today we woke up to freezing weather and a forecast of snow. I stayed in bed as long as I could, soaking up the warmth of Joel being home - but eventually had to make my way to work. When I came home this afternoon, THIS is what I found:

...and Joel practicing guitar in our quiet, warm, stew-smelling home.

It doesn't take much, really...to show each other how much we appreciate each other. Joel does it every day. I keep thinking that these days are numbered...soon we will be passing in the hall with hands full of diapers and laundry and baby. Everyone has told us to take advantage of our time now. So we are. Anxiously awaiting...

Joseph A. Stack

2010-02-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

Let me be very clear...I LOVE learning from my husband and I always respect and appreciate his perspective. He is phenomenal at expressing himself without judging, explaining new perspectives without pushing and listening to others. I love that about him. That's how I can learn so much from him and it's those qualities that make me so excited to watch him be a father.

But sometimes there are instances where situations are simply Rorschach tests to us: they are and will remain with each of us "how we see things." Here's an example:

Here is how Joel sees Joseph A. Stack.

Here's how I see Joseph A. Stack:

Joel reads the words. I see the picture.

Joel focuses the cause. I focus on the effect.

In this scenario, I see a building full of individuals. Not a government agency.

In reading his manifesto, I think of the family he left behind in his "new marriage," now also homeless) not the statement he tried to make about his discontent.

I think of all the people he made a choice for today - without their consent or permission. Just like he complained of our government. I can wrap my mind around his motives, but in my opinion, he is a hypocrite. In his plight for HIS rights he took away the rights of others. And isn't this his biggest complaint of what the upper class minority took away from the middle class majority - their voices and their freedoms? He talked of the bodies he would be joining - as if he believed them (and himself) to be martyrs. What do we call the rest of the wreckage?

I sympathize with the frustration he expresses, and I understand the feeling of having no say or options or control over how much the government takes from us - in reference to taxes, etc...but there are ways around all of it. There are ways to make this world a nice place to live in despite all that other stuff. There are ways to help each other, together, get through the mess that he was drowning in...maybe not a fix for the problem, but a way to get through it. We can help each other...HELP EACH OTHER. Heaven knows the family he left behind is going to need it now.

Quiet Time

2010-02-18T12:28:00.001-08:00

In case you haven't been made aware, my sweet husband has started blogging. He is revamping his priorities and "cleaning" his mind. We don't turn on the TV like we used to (well, HE doesn't. I'm working on it). And he is reading about three books at once right now. He mentioned the other day that "he has a lot to learn." He's inspiring me. I've started blogging again - granted, his writings are about the books he's read and current issues and mine are muppet videos, but still..I have refreshed my website bookmarks, I'm searching for books and I am making plans for finishing those scrapbooks I keep talking about.

Like I said, he's inspiring me. In all of this, we are finding a happy medium compromise of our old habits with our new. I am letting him take the lead on this change for us, and I like it. I like the quiet time in the house and the time we now have for conversation rather than commercials.

Hope you're finding some quiet time in your day, too.

2010-02-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

Full Circle

2010-02-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

Here's how the circle goes. This blog is titled "Robin's Hood." I did not come up with that...Sean Faires did YEARS ago. I can remember sitting in our old office off Walnut talking to him on the phone about the wording he wanted to put on the Dedringers EP (this was also following our discussion about how to make the spelling of Dedringers original - I suggested a "z" at the end...Sean replied, "That is so 5 years ago." I guess he knew best!)

Today I am listening to The Happin-Ins CD that just arrived in the mail. I was listening to it when our friend Matt Briggs came it to talk shop - and of course shop talk was derailed by stories of Sean and Jonny "back in the day." I can't believe how much we have all changed. I feel like I'm watching it happen right before my eyes still..our friends, our jobs, our families...everyone is blooming. It's really beautiful.

I can also remember when Sean realized that Joel and I were actually dating...not just coincidentally sharing an interest in the lives and careers of these two. At least once a week we all had dinner at my house - me, Laura, Sean, Jonny and Joel - at the minimum. Often times there were more folks, but we were the core group. After about the third or fourth time Joel went inside for a minute and Sean looked at me with a really concerned expression..."Um...is there something going ON between ya'll?" I think I said something along the lines of "I hope so" and not much more about it was brought up...until we told them we were engaged. Sean very plainly said "Well, good. When you told us you were dating we got a little nervous. This was either gonna end good or bad...no in between. We didn't want to have to pick between the two of you so I'm really glad this worked out." And now here we are - years down the road, still connected to each other - all of us- with growing families and growing lives...

I'm glad this worked out, too, Sean. So very very glad.

Oh, Baby...

2010-02-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

To say we've been distracted is an understatement. We have been enamored, overwhelmed, swamped, ecstatic, anxious...for six months now.

At the time I posted last, I had taken three pregnancy tests just days before. I can't believe I was so calm. I also can't believe that was exactly six months to the day ago. Six months sounds like so long...but time has really flown. And now that we are three months away (92 days give or take a few) I am wishing for those 6 months back. I LOVE being pregnant. I love how healthy I feel and how much I get to sleep and eat and having an excuse to go home early. I love listening to the heartbeat and wondering what she's going to be like. I love thinking about Joel being a daddy to this little girl and teaching her how to read and how to listen to people tell stories and how to appreciate music and all things grand. I LOVE hearing him read to her...even if it's about the political environment of Berkeley. It's such a great time right now...the calm before the storm, I know, but it's really peaceful and sweet and I cherish it every day.

I don't know what's in store for the three of us. It's scary to think about all of the unknowns, but it's not in our hands...and I believe we are okay with that. Whatever may come, we can handle. I do know that.

Oh, the Ideas...

2009-09-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

I think to myself, about 5 times a day, "I should blog about that." Recent topics range from political to social to just plain silliness. Like ol' Kanye West's most recent antics - but then I think...why waste my time on that nonsense. He did not affect my day to day life before this incident. Why would I let him now?

And the health care reform...I can not for the life of me figure out why we would NOT want to reform our current system, fix the insurance issues that so many face and make it affordable to EVERYONE in our country. Watching those that marched in Washington against the reform makes me feel like they were marching against every sick person who has been denied insurance.

It makes me nauseous, really. And very very sad.

And then I see something like this:

And I drive home as fast as I can to sit on the back porch and let the water wash over me.

A month in the life...

2009-08-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

It's been a whirlwind of a month. Lots to cover, but I'll try to make it quick.

Joel officiated a wedding for his friends, TK & Holly in College Station...

We went to visit Granny & Papa, Aunt Susan and Kevin in Houston...

We went on a cruise from Galveston to Mexico & back...

And we went to the Braun Brothers Reunion in Idaho...

Where we got to hang out with some of our favorite people...

...including Joel and Sam...

...and catch a glimpse of what rain looks like...

...and finding ourselves sitting in a pot of gold right here.

And so it goes in a month in the life of us!

6 Months to the day...

2009-07-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

*I started this post earlier in the week...didn't even realize the "anniversary" was coming up. But six months ago yesterday, I was standing on the wing of an airplane in the Hudson River. They say "all in time." I guess "they" are right.

I can't tell you how many times I've told the story. People always say "I bet your sick of telling this story...but tell me the story." Truth is, I never minded at all - I think because I didn't think there was much of a story there. The event is such a blur, really. I felt worse for my friends and family at home who were watching it, not being able to really KNOW that I was okay. When I got home, after the exhaustion and recovering from a bad, bad cold I filed the whole experience away like I typically do. I put it in a case where I could look at it, but not really touch it or feel it - like it's very own shadowbox. I have a habit of doing that with things that I don't really know how to process. But recently, I have taken the shadow box down off the shelf, opened it up and starting sorting through the contents.

A month or so ago I was at the office, busy with whatever it is that keeps me busy there and I got a call from the NTSB on my cell phone. The girl that was sitting next to me for roughly 4 minutes of what was supposed to be our flight from NYC to Charlotte was looking for me. They asked my permission to give her my contact info. Of course I agreed. I had not talked to one single person from that flight - no crew, no passengers. NO one. I got an email from her about an hour later, asking if she could call me. I had no clue what she would want to talk about...but I told her "of course." We talked for an hour and a half.

She filled me in on all the passengers, all of their reunions, their stories...they had a Yahoo Group online where everyone virtually "gets together" pretty frequently. And then we talked about that day - how she got out of the plane, how I got out of the plane, where we both ended up, etc., etc...etc. And it felt GREAT. We laughed about the minutes before we hit the water, her asking me "Land or water? Land or water? LAND OR WATER?" We shared our stories about calling our husbands. We discussed how our families dealt/are dealing with it. I felt like I had known her forever.

Once I made contact with her and with the group online I learned that a book is being published. "Miracle on the Hudson" will be released in November of this year. The "group" has formed an LLC for such situations...and I joined. I did my interview with one of the writers two weeks ago. And again, told my version of what happened that day. Only - the extended version. Only - it was different. She was pressing me, digging a bit and I was forced to really get my hands messy in the whole experience.

What I learned was, I am REALLY okay with all of it. I mean it when I say that I feel humbled. I had to delve into all of "what have you changed about your life/do you think or feel or believe differently than you did before" questions. And even after reliving every detail, down to how I got out the door of the plane and who gave me socks at the ferry terminal - that is what I am. Humbled. (I'm glad - since it's tattooed on my body now.) Life really has gotten so much easier since I realized that I am not the supreme ruler of the universe. I do NOT have control of every situation. And consequently, the universe is not out to get me. That was not a bad thing that happened to me on January 15, 2009. It was a BEAUTIFUL gift of opportunity. I have learned to let go of a lot of worry and fret and anxiety about why things happen - or don't happen - the way they are supposed to. And I have realized they DO work out like they are supposed to, I just may not have planned them them that way.

In all of the research online about the writers of this book I have found a lot of info and pictures of Flight 1549. And still, after all the processing, the one thing that makes me get weepy and sad...are pictures like this one. The plane in the water. I hate seeing her there, knowing she held up - and held us up - then had such a slow and cold and painful demise. Even as I type it I realize how weird it sounds...then again, I'm the same girl that hugs my shoes.

RIP, big ol' jet airliner. And thank you.

Tell 'Em That it's Human Nature...

2009-07-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

With all the buzz about Michael Jackson going on, I'd like to share my thoughts. Agree or disagree - to each his own. But here, I get to speak my mind.

It's sad. Period. His life is sad, his death is sad. He never had a childhood of playing in parks or running through sprinklers or going to junior high dances or getting acne or trying out for the track team and making it or trying out for anything and NOT making it. He didn't learn how to build relationships or chose what he believed in or experience the difficult times that give us all character. Maybe I ignored all the hubbub when he was on trial, but where were all of these people then? Where was Brooke Shields standing up for his character then, where were his peeps? I'm not a huge fan of Al Sharpton, but the point he made to Michael's children was pretty poignant..."There was nothing strange about your daddy, it was strange what your daddy had to deal with." Who else on this planet has been through as much fame, publicity, ridicule, prosecution? No one that I can think of in my lifetime...

WE did that to Michael Jackson. We watched the good and the bad, we talked about it in coffee shops, we either made or entertained jokes about his life...HIS life.

I don't know that much about him. I know I loved the Jackson 5 as a kid. I tried to memorize the dance from Thriller. I cleaned my parents house for my allowance to his music. I believe that he was a generous man. I believe he tried to do good...searching for something that was real to him - and that he tried to recreate the childhood that he missed out on. What is reality to us is NOT reality to our neighbor.

We are curious folk, us humans. RIP MJ.

The Summer of Learning

2009-07-09T18:35:00.000-07:00

I took my second spanish lesson tonight. I hope I'm doing this right...seems like it's way too easy for learning a second language. I did have three years of spanish in high school (a long, long time ago) but I only seem to remember bolsa, pescado, escucheme, digame and Pepita (my Spanish class name - which I believe translates to "seed" - that our teach picked out for me). While the escucheme (listen to me) and digame (tell me) seem pretty usable now, bolsa (purse) remains burned in my memory only because my dear friend had her purse stolen in spanish class and kept screaming it to the teacher..."Mi Bolsa! Mi Bolsa!" And pescado...well, you see, "perch" was our little group's word for "chill," or "cool it." If someone was rambling on about something (say, someone who was screaming about her bolsa in spanish class) we would tell them to "perch" (as in a bird perched in a tree - there was a super sweet hand gesture that went along with it simulating a branch, or how one might hold a parakeet on their finger). But everything had to be in spanish for that hour. When we asked our teacher what the word for perch was, she assumed we were talking about the fish. So she told us pescado. It took us three years to figure out that we were telling each other to fish rather than to perch. Needless to say, what remains with me from those three years of spanish is rather limited. Hence...Rosetta Stone.

I also finally learned how to use picnik. My sisters in luv have been using it forever, hence their uber cool photos with fuzzy edges and rounded corners and vintage stirrings. My first project is what you see above...and I'm SOOOO PROUD! To think, I've been struggling through photoshop, etc for a while now - and BLAM. Picnik came along. I have visions of Christmas cards, invitations...PHUN with PHOTOS!

And finally on the learning front - I did NOT take the spinning class as promised, but I did wii Active last night for the first time - and I'm soooooore. Wrongfully sore. I thought I was in better shape than to let some electronic robotron thingymajig whoop up on me - but I was wrong. Biceps - sore. Quads - sore. Abs - sore. Like...I had gone to the gym. Only without the drive across town and on my own schedule. I'm not saying it's a replacement work out, but it will be my new "on call."

Well, the sun is down here so that means it's only about 98 outside - prime time for an evening stroll to get the mail. Sweet dreams, friends.

Hello. I'd Like to Introduce Myself...

2009-07-08T18:19:00.000-07:00

Hi. You may not remember me. I've been AWOL for a while. My name is Robin Schoepf...and our life is good.

In a nutshell, here are some things you may or may not know.

1.) Joel and I celebrated our two year anniversary on May 5. He, like the sweetheart that he is, looked up the traditional anniversary gift for numero dos and bought me three cotton blouses. He knows me so well. I'm breaking them out on the cruise!

2.) We are going on a cruise in a couple of weeks. Not a true blue vacation cruise - he has to work. But it's a week away from this insane heat and 7 days with him rather than without.

3.) We moved! There is no more life for us on common street...now it's oak forest. New blog title suggestions welcome.

4.) Joel is gone for 6 weeks (approximately). Don't panic...I get to see him on the cruise and I'm meeting them in Idaho (see Idaho) but this house is going to miss him. (I mean...this household).

5.) Speaking of "numero dos" (ahem...refer to numbero uno) I am doing the Rosetta Stone Spanish Lessons. Well...I've done one (uno). Yesterday (ayer). I learned "manzana," "bebe," "come" and "boligrafo." I have yet to try and use apple, drink, eat and pen in one sentence. I think I would scare some fluent spanish speakers into "duerme" (or would that be duermen??). Needless to say, I have a ways to go.

6.) My sis-in-luv has inspired me to get back to the gym and try a spinning class...um, tomorrow. ;-)

7.) We are officially Godparents. Brayden Weiland DeBruin was born last Monday. He looks just like his Daddy, Bert...only without all the ink. (Yet.) Mom Angela and big sis Taylor are all doing great and we are so honored. Maybe instead of studying spanish, we should be looking up how to be hip and cool Godparents. Cuz we all know he'll be a hip and cool kid!

And quite possibly, the item that may (or may not) have had the greatest influence on our lives since the last blog...

8.) BLUEBELL ICE CREAM HAS A NEW FLAVOR!!! BLACKBERRY COBBLER!!! IT'S DELICIOUS!!! PLEASE TAKE THE CAPS AND EXCLAMATION POINTS SERIOUSLY...IT'S THAT GOOD!!!

That should get us all caught up. I still like long walks on the beach, the smell of fresh cut grass and going barefoot when possible...

...and Bluebell's Blackberry Cobbler Ice Cream.

I think I'll go get some. You should too.

Barefooted.

Buddies

2009-04-06T14:24:00.001-07:00

Hi. My name is Sam Hunt.

I love white cheddar puffs.

But I also love my new buddy, Dude.

So what's so wrong with sharing?

I've heard that it was the right thing to do for all of my life.

I try to do what I'm told. So I'm sharing with my my buddy, Dude.

Plus...I just think it's funny.

Sweet Tea Sweet Pea

2009-03-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

My name is Amelia Hunt and I like Sweet Tea.

I like to sit in my chair, rockin' in the breeze...with my sweet tea.

I like to listen to stories of my friends and family while I'm sittin' in my chair,

rockin' in the breeze...with my sweet tea.

Sometimes...I tell a story or two while sittin' in my chair,

rockin' in the breeeze...with my sweet tea.

Sometimes we like to hypothesize about things...

like "what if there were no sweet tea?"

But there is...and that's all that matters.

I'm Amelia Hunt. And I like Sweet Tea.

Morning light...

2009-02-23T20:14:00.001-08:00

Ahhh...Saturday

2009-02-21T07:51:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure what has come over me, but I've been waking up super early on Saturday mornings lately. I try to take advantage of the early start by getting chores done so there's time for more leisurely activities (like getting back to Photoshop).

Last week I got up at 7 on Saturday and tried to go to the gym only to find they don't open until 9. So I came home, cleaned the house and ran all my errands. It really was a great Saturday. Shannon and Kim and I went to Yoga in the afternoon to celebrate our girls' Valentines Day. Little did we know, it was Partner Yoga in honor of Valentine's Day. There were 6 or 7 couples...and the three of us. There were a couple of "partner poses" that were a little difficult to maneuver with the three of us but we had a great time, learned a lot and it felt GREAT! So we celebrated with a Whatacheeseburger Junior on our way to get pedicures!

This particular Saturday, I knew would be just as peaceful. Just a baby shower gift and a birthday present for grandma to pick up as the cleaning and grocery store were tended to yesterday. So when I woke up this morning at 7:30, I checked the weather and decided to go for a walk. Dude an I have a pretty normal routine on our walks. When he goes with me we follow the same path for the most part. This morning started no different. There weren't many folks out when we started, with the exception of one guy loading his 4-wheeler in the back of his truck and a woman walking house to house to put flyers on doors.

We got to almost our half way point and found an open gate to some river-front property that is for sale. I've always wondered what it looked like down by the water so we followed the "road" down to the river. It was like a whole different world. Across the river were homes I didn't know existed in New Braunfels - beautiful two and three story homes with decks and balconies and green lawns and trees and rope swings and staircases winding down to the river. Dude got to swim a bit and we got back to the walk.

When I turned around in the cul de sac, I noticed the woman distributing flyers - about a mile from where I saw her first. I didn't really pay much attention to that at all...until...

As we made our way back up the street, I caught site of a little girl, probably 3 or 4, leaving the front stoop of a house and "jogging" up the street in front of me. She was still in pajamas and barefooted-so I just assumed she was playing since it was such a beautiful morning. Until we got to the end of the street and she was still jogging...across the street, around the corner and up the next street. About half way up the block, she started to slow down and look around at all of the different houses. Then she stopped. And turned in circles...searching for something. I crossed the street to ask her if she was looking for someone...she said her mom. I asked when and where she saw her last - she said she was passing out flyers and she wanted to go with her. So I asked her if she knew where her house was and if there was anyone else there. She said yes, and turned to start running again...back from where she just came from. I panicked. I'm not sure why, but I can't imagine being the parent at the house looking for your daughter that has vanished at 7:30 in the morning - or the parent that is out walking, oblivious to your daughter running the streets looking for you. So I turned around and followed her again. I worried that I would scare her by chasing after her, but I was getting scared for her AND her parents. As I rounded the corner I could hear her mother - calling her name, and watched as the little girl ran full speed into her mother's arms. Whew...

So Dude and I turned around and headed back in the direction of our house. We passed a gentleman on a golfcart - who had driven by 4 or 5 times during our walk. Turns out, he had lost his dog and was on the hunt for it. I told him I'd keep eyes open and got his address in case I found her. As we turned towards the river, there were was a fire truck and two sheriffs parked at the end of the block. They had been called to a grass fire that was non-existent down by the river. I let Dude swim again, and as we made the final approach to Mooncrest, the man on the golfcart drove by with his dog on his lap, a big grin on his face and gave me a thumbs up.

So all is right in the world again...All of that before 9 a.m. I might have to take a nap today.

With love...

2009-02-20T20:06:00.000-08:00

The best gift we can give each other is pure, honest love.

Given to me for my birthday last year by my family-in-love...with love.

Amethyst, gifted to me by my sweet sister, Tara after I got home from NYC for peace and positive energy. Turtles were direct from my bro-in-luv's travels to lands far away...all with love.

The lyrics painted on the side are those of "Blackbird," the first song I learned to play on the guitar. A present from my sweet mother who taught me to love the Beatles...with love.

The lyrics of a Drive By Truckers song that I love. It's called "Outfit." Hand painted by a friend of ours, and given to me from Joel...with love.

A hand carved sea turtle, picked up on a trip to Massachusetts by my Jo just because it reminded her of me...with love.

I cherish all of these things, not because they are things, but because they are reminders of the people who love me...and who I love.

I hope you give a little bit of you and your love today...

With love...rds

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GRANNY & JOEL (HUNT)!!

2009-02-08T08:51:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR GRANNY & JOEEEELLLLLLIIIIIEEEEEEE...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

We love you so much! Hope your days are beautiful!

Robin & Joel

Back to Norm...

2009-02-02T19:15:00.000-08:00

Things are getting back to normal around here. I'm sitting in the recliner, listening to Joel practice his guitar. We cooked dinner, watched some tv on the couch and surfed the net. I'm sleeping like a baby (I never understood that phrase. Don't babies wake up every couple of hours to eat and such?) Anyway - I'm sleeping very well. It feels great. More than ever I'm enjoying everything about our days. I'm getting back into the gym routine, work and even trying to get home a little early when Joel's home. Little things aren't bothering me so much these days. It's amazing how simple life is when you eliminate all the needless worry. I am so thankful for all that makes up our lives together. I finally caught up on Tara and Jenny's blogs tonight and I can't WAIT TO SEE THOSE BABIES AGAIN! I also can't wait to see THEM again!

We all have so much around us to be thankful for...rather than wishing for what we don't have or for different outcomes, I have resolved to be appreciative of what we are already blessed with.

In other news...

Joel is doing great. He has started taking guitar lessons. A good friend of ours here in town is teaching him and it seems like he LOVES it. I've kept him busy with honey do's the past few weeks (nothing new). February is a pretty easy month for them - out for three or four days a week, home the others. It's been really nice having him home so much. Ragweed is going back in the studio in March out in California so he'll be out there for the first week. Then we GET TO SEE THE HUNTS!! They are coming the third week of March so they will get to be here for Joel's birthday. YAAAAYYYYY!!

I think I'm caught up for now. Normal feels pretty good, but it sure sounds boring in blogworld.

Peace to you all!
rds

"The Big Incident" FAQ's

2009-01-18T16:28:00.001-08:00

I know, i need to put it on paper. All of it. But I'm still wrapping my mind around it. In the meantime, here are some FAQ's and my most succinct answers...until the full story.

1. What were you thinking while all of it was going on?
Well, honestly, I fell asleep at the gate and didn't wake up until the "explosion." I heard the noise and asked the girl next to me "what was that?" She had been asleep too. The cabin filled with the smell of fuel and electrical fire, we banked hard left and THAT's when I got scared. We were descending rather than ascending and THAT's when I knew we were in trouble. The pilot came on the intercom and said "BRACE FOR IMPACT." I thought "I'm not ready!" (meaning, I'm not ready to brace for impact, I don't know how to brace for impact, WHAT DOES BRACE FOR IMPACT IMPLY???) And as I looked at the other passengers putting their heads between their knees and hands on the backs of their heads, I did the same thing. I thought - no way this is happening, I'M NOT READY!!! When we hit, I assumed we would be under water and I immediately wondered if my cell phone would work. I thought about calling Joel. I thought about how to kick out the window of a plane while it was under water - and before I could sit up I heard the guys behind me (the exit row) yelling "GO! GO! GO!" So I went.

2. Was it mass chaos getting off the plane?
Yes and no. I was in the row directly in front of the exit (9F was my seat). There was a guy there helping everyone from the exit row forward get out. I had my purse in my hand and was standing in my seat because there was so much stuff on the floor. He hollered at me to "come on" and i started over the back of the seat. He told me to grab my seat cushion, so I dropped my purse and grabbed the floatation device (they really do work, by the way). He hurriedly ushered me out the door where I stood on the wing, helping others out the door. Our side (the right side) was pretty orderly. Men insisted on women and children being loaded into the raft first. We had a family on our side, too, with a 3 yr old daughter and a 9 month old son. EVERYONE pulled together to make sure the kids were safe.

3. Did you get wet?
Yes. Everyone got wet. Although when I first got on the wing it was like standing in a shallow puddle, by the time I landed in the raft, I was up to mid calf. There was a lot of fuel in the water - I can't imagine what the people who jumped in the river directly from the plane went through. I watched the father of the two kids jump in to get to the ferry faster, and he was immediately paralyzed by the cold.

4. Were you on the NY side or the Jersey side?
Jersey. And they were phenomenal. I don't care what anyone says about Yankees - they were nothing but kind and generous. By the time the first boats pulled in, they had delivered boxes and boxes of the ferry workers uniforms (sweaters, dickies pants, long sleeved shirts, beanies) to us and were wrapping us with blankets, towels and even their own clothes to get us warm. The ferry terminal became a triage center - they served us coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, and even sent someone out to buy socks for all of us. I can't put into words what respect I have for the NY Waterway staff and the Port Authority Police. There was absolutely no hesitation at all on their part. They didn't wait for someone to tell them to help - they helped. I wish I could paint the emotions I have that go with the images of those ferry boats coming full speed at us while we were standing on the wing.

That's all I can think of for now...I'm sitting at home with my hubby, with a pot roast in the crock pot, planning to spend the evening curled up on the couch with him. I have a phone now, and (obviously) a computer. There is still a lot up in the air - and the emotions come and go in waves - but bottom line is, I'm home and safe and I recognize the magnitude of how I've been blessed.

I love you all! Have a wonderful evening. Cherish your family!

rds

Sunny California...

2008-11-19T17:50:00.000-08:00

We're off to California tomorrow for the Susan G. Koman 60 mile Breast Cancer walk. I'm ready. I'm ready because we have worked our tails off for it...and because I've been thinking so much about all the people we met when we walked for MS that made an impact on me. It's the perfect time, really, to be doing this...

To remember how good it feels to follow through with something
To remember that there are bigger issues than what each of us face in the daily grind
To remember to be thankful for our health and our families and our strength(s)
To remember to be cautious with our lives and our bodies and each other
To remember how big this world really is
To remember what it feels like to really push ourselves

To remember that each of us have the power to help others whether it's raising money, or donating money or walking beside someone or listening to someone tell their story or giving away your last Luna Bar or JUST BEING THERE.

Thank you, to all of you, for making this trip possible for me - whether financially or emotionally. Thank you to my sweet husband for going with us (even though he gets to sleep in a nice warm hotel room while we're sleeping in tents). Your face at the finish line will be the highlight of day three, I feel certain.

I'm keeping a journal for one of the magazines that has been supporting us along the way. I promise to share with you here as well.

Peace to all.

Whaaaa????

2008-10-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

I have been traveling quite a bit lately for work but iIt had been a really long time since I took a road trip, just me, myself and I when I drove to OKC a few weeks ago. Well, half of it was with me, myself and I - the other half was with my sweet friend Angela. She rode with me to OKC, then I made my way back to New Braunfels solitaire, stopping half way in Fort Worth for a Randy Rogers Band show and a great dinner with my aunt and uncle. The miles and time flew by too fast almost - and I realized how much I missed just driving. I listened to what I wanted, thought about what I wanted, and stopped when I wanted. Please, don't think I don't love traveling with others...it's just that I used to spend many many days and nights driving by myself, either to and from college or hauling horses somewhere. I did a lot of soul searching in those days. And it felt good to do it again...

But once again, I have strayed from the point of this post...

While I was cruising along somewhere between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, I was listening to one of the comedy channels on XM. The comedian mentioned a carpet rake...A CARPET RAKE...my mind raced back in time (imagine the technique used in movies where it appears as though the camera is traveling at warp speed down a hall filled with all the items representing things in your past and screeching to a stop on one...brown...carpet rake). I hadn't thought of raking carpet in years. It used to be "my chore." We had lime green carpet in one of our houses and LOTS of it...my job was to rake it in between vacuuming. Rake downstairs, rake upstairs, rake the stairs...why didn't we just vacuum? So I texted my mom. "Why did we rake our carpet?" Her reply was that the lovely green shag was so long that we were afraid of what had been lost in it. So I looked up carpet rakes online. I was surprised to learn that they are alive and well on most happy homemaker sites...

I bet you're surprised to learn that we (okay, I) don't own one.

TARP YOUR TRUCKS, PEOPLE!

2008-10-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

Notice the snaps snapped and the tarp tarpped. This is the proper way for a gravel truck to fly down I-35 at 80 miles per hour.

Notice the visible piles of dirt, pebbles and rocks. This is NOT the proper way for a gravel truck to fly down I-35 at 80 miles per hour. (Please disregard the large quantities of snow - this photo is being used for "improper gravel hauling on I-35" purposes only.)

The best sushi I never thought I'd try...

2008-10-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

Friday was Shannon's birthday so all the girls got together for dinner at Sushi Zushi and went to Helotes to see Adam Carroll and Todd Snider. We had a BLAST! Maybe it was because it had been so long since all of us had a chance to be together and focus on each other and catch UP with each other...maybe because it was a beautiful night to be at Floore's Country Store...maybe it was the sushi. Whatever it was, it was sooooo appreciated and needed.

Keeping with the spirited spirit of the night, I vowed to try something new at Sushi Zushi. I caught a glimpse of our neighbor's plate (which I have to admit appealed to me because it looked like watermelon and avocado mixed together - strange in and of itself) and decided that no matter what it was, I was going to try it.

Come to find out, it was Tuna Tar Tar. Now, growing up with a cattleman of a dad, I have a super duper adversity to the phrase "tar tar" and all that it entails. Not to mention the fact that when I asked the waiter about it, he described it like this:

"It's raw tuna, tenderized and diced, served with sliced avocado and topped with the eggs of four different types of flying fish."

The ONLY thing that rang yummy to my ears was "avocado." And I know, some of you are rolling over (or your stomachs are) at the thought of the rest of that dish - as did, quite honestly, mine. But I have tried and loved tuna - seared, rare, in sushi, out of sushi...so how bad could it be.

IT WAS THE BEST THING I'VE EVER PUT IN MY MOUTH. I almost asked for a fork because my desire to get it into my mouth far exceeded my chopstick deftness. So I refrained, and instead slowly savored every bit of it.

The moral of the story is that I have been reminded - by a simple but scrumptious culinary dish - that there are grand rewards in being brave, and that new things may sound scary and "fishy," but end up being...well, delicious.

My tidbit for you? Be brave today.

Tagged by my Sis-In-Luv

2008-09-04T18:36:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged. I'm okay with that. She was right. Who doesn't want to talk about themselves.

Here are the tagging rules:

1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Write 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post
4. If you are tagged, DO IT and pass it along

1. The most exciting job (and the time of my life that I was injured more than the rest of my life cumulatively) was galloping race horses. I LOVED it. I still get a phenomenal adrenaline rush just from WATCHING horse in the starting gate, knowing what it feels like for that huge animal to virtually vanish from beneath as they explode out of the gates. I'm pretty conflicted these days about the sport, but my personal experience with it is one of my favorites.

2. I love shoes. Abnormally, I think. I plan outfits around shoes. My favorite pair of shoes has never been worn and they sit at the top of my closet in a clear shoe box (they were a bit of an emotional purchase mom and I made together right before the wedding). Here's the weird part - I love being barefooted as much as I love shoes. That's almost oxymoronic.

3. I never thought I would marry. Ever. I wasn't opposed to it, but I just didn't see myself finding anyone that I would want to share/burden with all my weird idiosyncrasies. But I did. And now I can't imagine my life WITHOUT sharing my idiosyncrasies.

4. I went through a phase in high school where all I ate was either egg sandwiches (fried eggs & ham with cheese on toast) or steamed broccoli. Every meal, including lunch (I had to drive home from school for lunch). It lasted for about 4 months.

5. I wear my feelings on my sleeves. And I wear others feelings on my sleeves for them. I spend a lot of energy worrying about other people and their feelings. In fact, I've been known to worry more about my loved ones feelings than they do.

6. I love rain and everything that comes with it. Thunder, lightening, peace, clean sidewalks, greener grass, the smells, mud...I love it all. And I especially love dancing in it. Mmmmmmm. Better than homemade banana pudding.

There you have it. Unfortunately, all my blogging friends have already been tagged. I hope I don't get points docked off for not listing 6 others.

Oh, Idaho...

2008-08-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Let me count the ways I love the Braun Family Reunion.

1.) The scenery

2.) The golf tournament (or being a caddy in costume for the golf tournament)

3.) The friends

4.) The family

5.) The weather (yes, that's hail while the sun is shining)

6.) The music

7.) The people

8.) The people

9.) The people (note Texas flag...in Idaho)

10.) The mustached people

Rain, rain...

2008-08-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm....I love the season changes. I know, we are still in for quite a bit more summer. But I love teaser days like today - hard rain complete with actual thunder and lightening. Do you know what I love more than days like today? Days like today when my husband is here and I take advantage of working from home. Yup, there's something special about being in your own home on days like this, with your partner sitting just a few feet away from you...hearing the rain pick up outside and gazing out the window to see sheets of water and flashes of light, knowing that Mother Earth is finally getting her long needed rehydration and our family of trees is finally getting the dusty dryness washed from their parched leaves. And being able to take a break from emails and phone calls to sit with my husband. I would work from home every day that he is here if I could. I'm happier and he's happier and WE are happier.

I can't believe how crazy busy our lives are these days. We are making Christmas plans already. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to get them made, but I can't believe this year has gone so fast. We seem to be living so far in the future sometimes that we forget about today - we don't take advantage of right now. But today I did. I sat right here at my little computer - still connected to the world - but soaking up the goodness of what today brought.

Hope you all had a little peace in your day today, too.

Growing Babies...

2008-08-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we've gone from this...

To this...

And this...

And this...

I can't wait to see where we go from here.

Congratulations to Joel Hunt! We are very proud of you for what you have accomplished - and even more proud of you for how you are choosing to use your education. You are a good man, and a great father and husband. Big love to you!

Mom always said...

2008-07-28T19:22:00.001-07:00

...no running at the pool. She was right.

Dear Sonic (Part Two)...

2008-07-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

Despite my discontent, I bragged about you to my father (who, come to find out, is as finicky as me about ice). I told him you were world famous for your crushed, small beautiful ice. I explained the current status of our relationship - objectively so that he would not pre-maturely judge you. It took quite a bit of convincing for him to break his routine of a morning Diet Dr. Pepper from Taylor's in downtown Canyon - who, by the way, offers crushed, small beautiful ice for half the price of your drinks. He is such a fan of Taylor's that he saves all his styrofoam cups to take back for half-priced refills. I tell you this not to make you envious, but to give you a clear picture of what you're up against.

After I persuaded him to try you out - you - the first you that I committed to so long ago - you failed us again. This is what we got:

See the problem we're having here? I will grant you that there was plenty of it - addressing my first complaint - but its big, clunky ugly ice. So not only have you let me down, but the impression you made on Dad was FAR from good.

I'm not sure where we go from here. I'm just not sure at all...

Dear Sonic...

2008-06-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

We need to talk. It's not me...it's you. Honestly, I just don't feel the love anymore. Regardless of my loyalty, you have let me down.

Remember when you first opened in Canyon? When I got my driver's license, you were where me and my pals spent every single lunch hour. And on the weekends, you were our meeting place in town. You were part of "the drag." I began loving you then.

And when I went to college, you were WAY out of my daily path to and from class once I moved out of the dorm, but I came to you anyway out of sheer love for a diet cherry limeade. You were my present to myself on Sunday afternoons when I had accomplished all my weekend chores. We stayed close even through that difficult "growing" phase.

I found you...all of you...in Amarillo when I moved back home to work. Even if we didn't have lunch together every day, I still found time for us to share in a Route 44 Dr. Pepper. We became so familiar with each other that my vehicle wore one of your stickers, allowing for discounts on drinks. I knew your every special...what time happy hour was, two for one Tuesdays...I memorized them all while in the shelter of your drive-thru.

I was so excited to see you when I got to New Braunfels. Both of you. Conveniently, you are just around the corner from where I rest my head each night. But something has changed recently. I know I've changed - from Dr. Peppers to unsweet tea - but I've remained loyal to the Route 44. I used to never have to mention "ice" to you. Now, even when I speak up to let you know what I'm feeling, there is only a smigen of your beloved signature ice in the cup. You know that is what attracted me to you, right? I could handle every once in a while you holding back on me, but it's become a regular issue. One I'm not sure how to fix.

And I'm not the only one. I've heard more than one person say "what's up with Sonic lately?" I'm hurt by it...but more importantly, I'm worried about you. What is happening inside of you to cause this?

I'm sure I'll ride this out, like I did with the styrofoam cups...maybe it will be something I learn to live with...but I'll continue to ask for what I need. And just to let you know, I'm sticking around until I get it. No more driving off with unfinished ice. No more iceless drinks within 30 minutes of getting them. I'm going to help you become the Sonic you used to be. The ball is in your court now...

Sincerely,

Tired of Un-Iced Tea

This can't be good news...

2008-06-19T16:56:00.001-07:00

Pages and pages and pages of articles about how bad flip flops (flippies, flappies, floppies, thongs, toe sandles, etc.) are for our feet. It's a sad sad sad day in my closet.

Desiderata

2008-06-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

About two years ago I opted for tattoo number two. (Insert pause here to let some of you come to terms with the fact that I am tattooed...twice...so far...) Although I was a grown adult living on my own, paying my own bills with a full time job, a 401K and insurance, my poor Dad CRINGED when I called him to tell him what my 30th birthday present to myself was going to be. His exact words? "WHY WOULD YOU TELL ME THAT?" So we never really talked about it since. Until I went home with tattoo number two. My first one is on my hip so unless I want someone to see it, it's not visible to the general public. But tattoo number two is on my foot. And I'm a barefoot/flip flop kind of girl. So tattoo number two is HIGHLY visible. When Dad saw it for the first time it caught me off guard. We had gone to visit him in Amarillo and I was sitting out on the back porch in my jammies when he got back from the donut shop. He came to sit down with me and from a mile away he said "What is that?" I tried to explain it to him...but I don't think he wanted to know what the word meant so much as what the tattoo meant. And I told him that it was a reminder everyday of what the word represented.

So here it is...broken down.

de•sid•er•a•tum dɪˌsɪdəˈreɪtəm, -ˈrɑ-, -ˌzɪd-
noun, plural -ta
something wanted or needed.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

Handsome Guy...

2008-04-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

Joel and I knew each other for a while before we started dating. He was a regular in our office when he worked for Bleu and we traveled in the same circles. I always loved seeing him - it seemed like we could really talk to each other - not just idle chatter. That may have been because I ALWAYS got lost in his eyes. They have a very captivating quality - where you just...can't...bear...to look away from them. Honestly, maybe we didn't really talk about much of anything - maybe I was just briefly hypnotized. Maybe I'm STILL hypnotized. Who knows. Okay - now I'm rambling...

The point of all this is that one of the first "intentional communication" I got from Joel was an emailed photo after he cut all his hair off a few years back. I got a before and an after pic. And I remember thinking "WOW." Don't get me wrong, I always think "wow" when I think of my husband...but he looked soooooo different in the after photo.

I came home today to a freshly "clipped" Joel. I got the same butterflies and flushed cheeks. He is ALWAYS handsome to me...(I usually use the phrase "hot" in mockery of Paris Hilton) but..."WOW"

Happy Birthday

2008-04-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

Sweet, sweet Sammers & 'Melia...We love you so much. You have changed all our lives. You really are little miracles. Happy 1st Birthday - Love, Uncle Bub and Aunt Birdie.

Welcome...

2008-04-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

Willy Vedder Canada. You surprised us all - or most of us. We thought you'd be a girl. But your mama knew the whole time. She knew you were all boy. You kicked enough to try and convince the rest of us, but we just passed it off as inherited dancing genes. It doesn't matter now. You are little brother...Willy V...WC...or as D calls you, Wiwy. You'll have lots of nicknames.

You have lots of love around you - and always will. Welcome. We love you already.

Teaser #1 Revealed...

2008-04-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

This year, I'll be participating in a very special event called the Breast Cancer 3-Day. We'll be walking 60 miles over the course of three days with thousands of other women and men. The net proceeds will support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment through Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

I say “we” because I am part of a team consisting of more than 15 gals who have committed to do the same thing. We are the Red Dirt Rockettes and we want to make a difference. Many of you have been so generous to donate to other causes I have walked for (Breast Cancer Research through a different foundation and MS Research). I am participating a walk again because we STILL don’t have a cure…therefore I we STILL need your support.

I've agreed to raise at least $2,200 in donations. I know I can raise even more than that, and have set my personal goal at $5000. So I need your help. Keep in mind how far I'm walking - and how hard I'll have to train.

You can donate online at http://08.the3day.org/goto/RobinSchoepf. You can also call 800.996.3DAY to donate over the phone.

According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, more than 200,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and nearly 40,000 will die from the disease. That’s why I’m walking so far...to do something bold about breast cancer. I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

April Showers

2008-04-06T15:10:00.000-07:00

It's starting to turn green here. I keep thinking back to last spring and summer and all the rain. We thought we lost one of the old trees here at the house. I never knew that a tree would shut down from too much water. I guess growing up in Amarillo, we never experienced much of that - trees OR too much water. I watched her (I refer to all our trees as "her") everyday, waiting to see if she would recover from the monsoons of 07. Almost overnight she went from bare limbs to limbs full of green healthy leaves. I guess she knew best when to shut down to save herself.

I think we are a lot like that, but only some of us recognize it. We know what it takes to keep ourselves healthy - both mentally and physically. Sometimes it takes "shutting down" to save ourselves. It's amazing how we blossom after exercising a bit of self-nurturing.

Taaa Daaaaaaa!

2008-03-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

The highly anticipated "return from vegetarianism" is here. What you all have been waiting for...but first...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY JOELIE-OLE (maybe that should read ol' JOELie). He heh heh. I love you baby! Can't wait to see your face!

And now...(drum roll please)

I AM EATING MEAT AGAIN! YIPPPPEEEE!

Although I eat much less of it now, I really really really really like it. Still. Again. Joel, sweet Joel, was home for my first meal "back." He cooked up a delicioso rib-eye for me and it was as good as my poor, malnourished,vegetarian body remembers (im kidding - about the malnourished part...i think i actually GAINED weight). I have had chicken, one half of a steak, one cheeseburger (uh...THAT one didn't sit so well) and LOTS OF TUNA!! Mmmmm...tuna salad, tuna sam'iches, TEXAS TUNA from my beloved Thundercloud. Oh, how I missed you!

There have been lots of other goings on as well...much of which would bore you to tears to read about...but a few exciting happenings...I'll give you some teasers with the promise that I will tell you more. Feel free to send me reminders to tell me to tell you more. I love fan mail.

1. 3-Days, 60 Miles in San Diego, CA

2. Our own ant farm

3. Easter Eggs

4. Music memories

There you go...consider yourself officially teased!

Meat-Free February

2008-02-11T23:05:00.000-08:00

I don't know why. I really don't. I know I needed to shake up my diet a bit, and I know I had contemplated going gluten-free for the month. I guess I'd rather give up lunch meat than bread and pasta. Funny thing is, I'm not eating much of that either.

It hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. Except date night. The place I took Joel for dinner obviously prided itself on their steaks...the only other thing on the menu without beef, pork, chicken or shrimp was portobello lasagna which the waitress proclaimed "pre-made." So I ordered the "New Aw'leans Linguini" and ate around the shrimp and scallops. Joel was super sweet and shared his mashed potatoes with me...he even dipped them in "meat juice" for flavor.

So in light of being half way through with this month (well, pretty darn close) I'd like to present my top ten list of things I miss eating this month.

(Please note how all meat dishes are inappropriately capitalized)

10. Spicy Chicken Romano from Johnny Carinos

9. Huisache's Spinach Salad...WITH BACON.

8. Tacos, Enchiladas, Fajitas...

7. My Dad's Pork Ribs

6. Tuna Salad

5. Cheeseburgers

4. Anything Rudys...Chopped Beef, Turkey, Chicken, Sausage

3. Moo Shu Pork

2. Thundercloud Subs' Texas Tuna

1. STEAK

...And now...I'm off to eat more veggie soup (note the completely appropriate lack of capitalization).

Happy Monday!

Questions...

2008-02-11T21:11:00.000-08:00

Does anyone know why the first paragraph of every blog looks different from the rest of the blog?

(Jenny, any help here would be appreciated!)

Lost in Bloggerville

2008-02-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, I am a faithful follower of some virtual super heroes. There are at least three blogs that I check every single day. I have actually started relaying the stories of some of these bloggers during "watercooler" conversations at the office, with friends over dinner and in phone conversations to others. I have sent copies of some of their stories via email and HIGHLY recommended their blogs to people who I think would relate. Does that make me a virtual groupie? Maybe.

One of my fav's has been nominated for the 2008 Bloggie Awards so I had to go check out the competition. Since then I have visited approximately 8,365 different blogs from all over the world. I found cooking blogs, marriage blogs and photography blogs. I found bloggers that I didn't understand, bloggers that I didn't WANT to understand and some that didn't WANT to be understood. I've been in bloggie heaven. I'm learning a whole new language (what exactly is the difference between a link and a "linky?" Is it just someone being "cutesy?").

I've also been inspired, motivated, moved to tears and educated. It's reminded me how big this world is...and how small it can be at times. I know, I know...it's no substitute for the real world and real people and real interaction. I'm not CONSUMED with it...but it's a nice mental vacation every once in a while.

I'll be sharing some of the blogs that I think are interesting...and borrowing some of their ideas for blog topics. I hope you enjoy.

SuperBOWL Sunday

2008-02-08T22:24:00.001-08:00

Superbowl Sunday has come and gone. We watched the half-time show (and a great one it was) and the last three minutes of the game. Who was playing again? (I know, I know...New "Engliand" and some other team.) Although we didn't partake in the game day festivities, we did have a Super Sunday here on Mooncrest. Echo came to visit and brought her parents along. And my mom-in-luv came to see us too! Echo is growing so much and is so beautiful. John Michael and Tara are doing awesome. It's so fun to watch them with their sweet baby girl.

We had a great lazy day of visiting and laughing and playing wii (see extreme action shot below). Yes...wii. Golf, Tennis, Baseball, Boxing...and bowling. The fav of all the games, bowling plays this indeterminable music in the background that is a mixed medley of what sounds like about 5 intertwined Southern Rock classics. The only character in the bowling alley with legs is the one bowling for some strange reason. Anyway...Joyce was the big winner!! Maybe we should have a family tournament...after Joel recovers from the aerobic strain of boxing and baseball with Johnny Mike.

I'll take OUR SuperBOWL over THE Superbowl any day!

My Addiction...

2008-01-21T16:51:00.000-08:00

Hi. My name is Robin Schoepf and I'm a gadget addict. Let me be specific. Electronic gagdets. I'm not sure where it all started. I played around with mini-tape recorders back in high-school.I had a walkman...I had a boombox, but that's as hardcore as it got. I had no idea what path I would find myself on within a short 10 years.

I remember the first time I tried an "Apple." Mom was in grad school in Austin...she had one in her house. While she was in class...well, I'll be honest, I couldn't keep my hands off it. The flashing curser...and the unbelievable way it would read aloud what I typed...I had found a friend. That was only the beginning...

I consider cell phones the gateway gadget, only because for me it came before the digital audio players. I got my first cell phone when I came home from college one year. I gave in to peer pressure...one of my buddies started a cell phone business in Amarillo and was selling them. I bought in. Regardless of the phone I had, one better or smaller or faster or prettier always came along. That was probably the beginning of my downward spiral...cell phones. Or maybe it was the cameras. My dad was a photographer for as long as I can remember. He was a 35mm whiz...double exposures, image on image...seems like he always had a camera in his hand. So it was only a matter of time before I picked one up, myself. I started with a 35 mm (film), moved quickly to the digital point and shoot...and now I'm a digital SLR user. See, friends, it happens that quickly. I won't even begin to talk about the video camera days.

MP3 players were probably the most recent - but deadliest - addition to my list of vices. It would be a long road to get to them, but once I found them...I was unstoppable. I started with a Roxio MP3 player that was the size of breadbox and sounded like a weedeater when it was operating. Like the cell phones, they got smaller and prettier...and I followed right along like any good tech-nerd would. I can't remember exactly when I tried my first iPod...but I can tell you that I've owned, used and sometimes lost every generation of every style of iPod (except the shuffle...I mean, when you've got the 3rd generation video mastered, why bother with the small stuff).

I find myself "killing time" in the electronics department of Target, I drool over iPod covers and cases...while my friends are in shoe stores at La Cantera, I'm in the Apple store. I'm admitting it. Right here...right now. I love electronic gadgets.

Next time...KITCHEN gadgets.

Christmas at Mom's

2007-12-29T20:21:00.001-08:00

A game of Speed...

And a game of spoons...

She's a little bashful

2007-12-29T20:11:00.000-08:00

Kirby is Dad's dog. I would say pride and joy, but I'm not ready to let that title go just yet.

Oh, My Grammy...

2007-12-26T18:07:00.000-08:00

Part of my favorite thing about going home to Amarillo for the holidays is visiting with my Grandma. Every visit is different with her depending on how she's feeling. Luckily, this time she was feeling GREAT! We got to spend an entire day with her...just the whole family. She had the guys pull chairs into her room so that we were all sitting in a circle in front of her and she "worked" her audience. She told stories about my dad and Uncle James from when they were young and she had all of us in stitches. She told us the story of each of our gifts which were some of her dishes and vintage china. Joel and I received a hand painted tea set from her that she got on her and Granddad's anniversary back in the late 30's. It's beautiful...but the story is what I love even more.

Her mother had given them $10 for their anniversary present. Grandma had been downtown earlier that day and the tea set had caught her eye. It was on sale for $12 but she didn't want to spend that kind of money without talking to Granddad first so she refrained. Later that evening, she and Granddad were going to the movie for their anniversary. They walked past the shop where the tea set was and Grandma pointed it out to him. She told him that her mother had given the $10 to them, and that the set was on sale for $12. He told her that OF COURSE she could have it, but she was worried about where the other $2 was going to come from since they had just been to the movies. When they went inside, the clerk agreed to sell it to them for $10 since it was their anniversary.

Here are the points I get from this story:

1. $10 was a lot of money in the 30's.
2. Grandma felt like she had to check with Granddad before she spent $12. But then again, see item #1.
3. They WALKED to the movies.
4. She kept something that cost $10 for 65+ years.

I love my Grandma. I love what I'm reminded of in this story...that value is not necessarily a number following a dollar sign and that when you are partners with someone, you partner in everything...even in what may appear to be the smallest decisions.

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

Lawrence Welk

2007-12-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

I have spent the last 21 of 24 hours in bed. I got up twice to eat and once just to go to the bathroom. I can't say that I have the flu...I got the flu shot. I don't know what I've got, but as I crawled back into bed this evening/afternoon and laid my hot, oh so heavy head down all I could think of was Lawrence Welk.

It seems like every time I was at my grandparents house Lawrence Welk was on TV. I have very vivid memories of their place. Red brick house on Royal Road. I always thought that was funny since their last name was King. Get it, Kings living on Royal Rd??? Anyway, it didn't matter what time of day it was, the kitchen smelled of coffee. Grandad always used the old time coffee pot - he didn't buy into the new fangled coffee makers. Most of the time he had Willie Nelson playing on his stereo. He had a great set up...nice recliner just next to all his records and record player so that he didn't have to get up to change them. When Lawrence Welk came on, Grandma would make Grandad put headphones on for his stereo so that she could hear the TV.

I don't really get the association...maybe just feeling puny, rooting around under the covers for a warm place to shake off the shivers, wishing for something to give me a bit of peace...I thought of the things that gave me peace. And I thought of my grandparents.

...or maybe it was the fever.

A Learning Process...

2007-11-23T16:21:00.000-08:00

How do we Thanksgive...let me count the ways.

We had our very first Thanksgiving here at 1222 Mooncrest. The whole shabang to be served up for nine. As everybody knows, the hard part is the turkey so we let Richard take that task. And take he did...scrumptious turkey! It's a good thing we did as we discovered on Wednesday that our 40-year-old oven had retired...no letter of resignation or two weeks notice. She just up and quit. Special thanks to our friends and neighbors Laura and Red - who saved the day by letting us use their oven. We transported the goods via little red wagon and used our toaster oven for the smaller items and went on about our day. And oh what a day it was.

Well, Ill let photos do the talking...

(The little oven that couldn't)

(Our modern day chuck wagon)

It was so nice to walk through the living room and see my Mama and my Mom-in-luv chatting away, and to watch Jenny and Tara exchange baby knowledge...and catch a glimpse of little Sam and his Dad listening to John Michael play the guitar and to observe the turkey carving lesson going on in the kitchen between Richard and Joel...lots of love and loving moments.

And it was beautiful.

And in reference to the title of this blog...well, the day was a learning process but more specifically, Jenny is helping me learn how to add photos to my blog. I think she taught me well, don't you?

You Could...

2007-09-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

You could curse and complain about your feebleness, or you can get busy and make yourself stronger. You could seethe with resentment about the past, or you can make the choice to let go and move forward.
You could worry endlessly about what might or might not happen, or you can take steps to successfully prepare yourself for anything that comes along. You could make a long list of all the things that will perhaps go wrong, or you can accept the fact that there will be obstacles and decide to deal with them as they come.

You could hide away from the world inside the walls of your comfort zone where nothing challenges you. Or you can make use of every second of your precious time to explore and experience, to get cold, wet, and dirty, and to feel wonderfully alive.

You could let the smallest defeat turn into a big, imposing excuse for giving up. Or you can learn from what went wrong and then step enthusiastically forward with your newfound knowledge and determination.

You could smugly blame all your troubles on something or someone other than you. Or you can take a long, deep breath, then take full responsibility, and feel how empowering it is to be in total control.

There are lots of things you could have been, could have done, could have seen, could have known, and could have experienced. Yet nothing compares to the wondrous places you'll go when you do what you know you can.

-- Ralph Marston

Fall is in the Air

2007-09-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

We had a cold front come through on Tuesday. I know...cold front means different things in different parts of the world. What exactly would a cold front be in Antarctica? Well, what it means here in little ol' New Braunfels in mid-September is that it's bearable outside in the middle of the afternoon. It means that the seats of your car don't burn the backs of your legs when you leave the office to go home at 5. It means being able to open the windows at night, walking the dog in the evening and pulling out the long sleeves. That was Tuesday. The cold front blew out on Wednesday.

But it was a nice teaser. I love fall. I love breezes and watching the leaves turn and sleeping with the windows open. I love how quiet this town gets during the fall. I love cooking on Sundays in a crock pot or in the oven all day. I love sweatshirts and sunshine at the same time.

It's the season for slowing down, recharging...and I love it.

2007-08-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

I have had this book for almost 10 years. I just picked it up again. It's daily readings by date. I love it...for so many reasons. Usually I wake up in the mornings, scurry to the shower or gym, rush to work, rush home...but now I'm making time for Simple Abundance again. It just grounds me every day and I love the quiet time. Here's one of my favorite quotes...

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."
-Melody Beattie

New Post

2007-07-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

I keep starting blogs. I get inspired by those that I read and want to enlighten my friends and family the same way others enlighten me. Then I get writers block. Then I procrastinate. Then I think about all the things that have passed since I last wrote (not passed as in "away" but just...passed). I promised you all photos of the wedding, photos of the honeymoon, stories about family and a recap of the cruise. However I have delivered NONE. For that I am sorry. Know this, however...that life has been wonderful and beautiful and full of good - no GREAT - times spent with my new husband, old friends, new friends, old family, new family and, of course, our dog. We've been married in Wimberley, honeymooned in Red River, shopped in Taos and just been being in love in New Braunfels. We visited Utah where we spent three incredible days with Jenny, Joel, Joyce and the newest of the new part of my family -Sam and Amelia. We cruised with CCR to Montego Bay, Grand Caymen and Cozumel (or Cancun...I'm still not clear on where we stopped in Mexico). We've been able to spend lots of time with John Michael and Tara, which has given me the chance to get to know and love them even more.

See...life is very very full. And very very good.

Hope yours is the same.

Between the Hours Of...

2007-06-07T16:16:00.000-07:00

Dear delivery services and local utility companies (i.e., cable, telephone, electricity, etc.),

Do YOU, customer service representative, have time to sit at home for 5 hours in a day to wait on a service man to a.) deliver something that requires you to work in order to pay for or b.) repair something that is ultimately your company's responsibility but, again, one has to pay for by WORKING. Please tell me, mr. customer service representative, how you categorize your time sheet when you have to request a half day off in order to wait for something that takes 10 minutes to get off of a truck? Would that be personal time? Just curious, rhetorically speaking of course.

Bliss

2007-05-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

Main Entry: bliss
Pronunciation: 'blis
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English blisse, from Old English bliss; akin to Old English blIthe blithe
1 : complete happiness
2 : PARADISE, HEAVEN

...more to follow. Just know for now that "Bliss" is where we are.

Podwina

2007-04-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you Apple. Thank you for the small, portable gadget called the iPod. "Podwina" (my iPod's name - I'm not THAT weird, iTunes makes you name your iPod so it can recognize it when it's plugged in - although I am as fond of my iPod as any pet I've had...previous to Dude, of course)...ANYWHO...Podwina has been my traveling partner in cars and on planes. She (of COURSE any thing this complex and smart is a SHE)has carried stories that make me laugh and movies that make me cry. She has sung me to sleep at night and made sure I woke up in time for the gym in the mornings. She has entertained my friends and when she's shuffling, she reminds me of times that I haven't thought of in years. She knows Willie and Amy Winehouse. She is made up of the best of the 70's and the worst of the 80's. She knows every single - and i mean EVERY single - Lyle Lovett song. She makes me smile. And she will be the DJ at our wedding reception. She is currently carrying the soundtrack of our lives...before we met and since. She carries a big responsibility...but I have no doubt she can handle it.

BELIEVE

2007-04-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me, know my favorite word is "believe." It started with a necklace that I bought in the bead shop in Stillwater, OK. And I gave a matching one to my friend Shannon...who believes a lot in the same ways that I do. When people would ask me what it meant, I would say "just believe in something...something bigger than yourself." And the longer I have lived, the more I realize that believing in the little things is just as important...because they are constant reminders of what is bigger. They signify the grand plan...the bigger picture...they are road marks for "what is bigger than ourselves."

I found this today. It was in response to the question "what makes you happy..." Please note, I wrote this almost 10 years ago...

"Rain...any hour of any day. Including my wedding day. Hot showers after a long drive. Bare feet. Nick at Night. Puppy breath. Green grass that you can roll around in. Days I get to wear shorts, t-shirts and no make-up. Fresh, clean sheets on the bed. Night breezes in the hot summer. Snow angels. Finding one more roll of toilet paper. Pens that write good. Ice Cream. Laughing. Laughing with my best friends. Laughing at my best friends. Free anything (except advice). Road trips with buddies. Road trips by myself. Lakes, rivers and oceans. Rollercoasters. Sunshine. Kids, dogs and horses. Putting something I've been dreading behind me. Flying by the seat of my pants. Turtles. NOT flying by the seat of my pants. Mowing my yard because its MY YARD. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Hope. Friends coming to visit. Scooby Doo. When patience pays off (because I rarely have any). Free Bird's burritos. Cooking for family and friends. Knowing what makes me happy."

Not one of these things has changed. But there are so many more things to add to the list. Family. Finding strength in family. Faith that we gain strength from hard times. Hope for the future and what it holds for all of us.

This life moves fast (I think I just quoted Ferris Beuller). There are so many things going on in it right now...yours and mine and his and hers. BELIEVE that it is beautiful. Believe that it takes perseverance to find the beauty. Believe that we all have it in ourselves to persevere. Believe that our friends and family will help us find it in ourselves if we let them.

Believe that Love is the greatest...and don't ever forget about Hope and Faith.

Bridal Extravaganza...

2007-02-26T17:59:00.000-08:00

According to my calendar, there are 67 days until the big day. Six of those days will be spent in Nashville, three in Las Vegas, one in the dentist office, four on the road and one at the doctor's office. That's 15 days out that I know of...that leaves 52. Wow.

But then I think about all that has happened in the past few days to get things accomplished.

Sunday was awesome. It was a beautiful day here...sun shining, perfect breeze coming in the windows...I started it off with some old Willie and Stones on vinyl, a cup of coffee and the paper. (Most of you know the paper is a little out of character for me...and so is the coffee unless someone else makes it, but I was looking for something in particular in the paper and I bought the coffee when I made the paper run.) Mom came down for lunch and a visit and a trip to the Bridal Extravaganza (actually called the Bridal Spectacular, but we prefer "extravaganza"). We picked up a lot of tips, brochures and business cards...and we giggled a lot. Laura and I and made a trip to Wimberley for a visit to the Red Corral Ranch and to the Schoepf Headquarters and we wrapped up the day with a great dinner at the steakhouse at the junction. I couldn't have asked for anything more - except for Joel to have been here. (Wheweeeee, I'm missing him so much this time around).

Back to the original point...out of the past two days we have confirmed a photographer and a home for the Kings for the wedding weekend, made a decision about the cakes and the cake stands, established somewhat of a timeline for the day and confirmed that the facility has high speed internet (step one for a special surprise for some special loved ones). We have lodging at the lodge figured out and a print shop confirmed for invitations! I know that doesn't sound like a lot...but it sure feels like a lot.

Life is good...I hope yours is, too.

Fat Tuesday

2007-02-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

I'm extrememly perplexed at the reaction to the climbers that had to be rescued in Oregon. Of course it could be the twist of the media, but all I hear is how stupid they were and how they should have to pay for what the rescue cost taxpayers and how they should be brought up on animal cruelty charges for taking Velvet (the dog that "saved" them) up on the mountain. And that they must be horrible teachers.

?????????? WHAT???????

Here's my take. From what the rescuers had to say, they were very responsible climbers. They made one navigtational error and could not recover due to the weather conditions. They used all of the appropriate measures to protect themselves AND THEIR DOG from the elements. They carried equipment designed to help them be rescued and used it. People make navigational errors on our highways all the time that cause harm to themselves and countless others. People fall off of ladders, fall out of trees, swim too long and get tired...we all make mistakes or have accidents. Those errors result in the mobilization of paramedics, ambulances, police officers and sometimes volunteers to "rescue" them. In effect, we are all paying for each others "navigational errors" with our tax dollars. Give 'em a break.

In regard to Velvet (the dog)...there is no place a companion animal would rather be than with their "companion." Dogs have survived for YEARS in the cold...hello??? Dogsledding? Would the naysayers have rather the dog been tied to a tree while her humans were climbing? Even I can say it (just don't tell Dude)...she's a DOG. And she's fine. And she's far better off with people who let her be a dog than those who keep their animals in small purses or locked in a crate.

And, finally, what does their profession have to do with this experience on the mountain? People are saying that they aren't qualified to be teachers because of their lack of common sense. I believe it was their common sense that saved them. I believe I would rather be taught by, and have my children taught by, people who do rather than say. I believe the same people who are saying the climbers aren't smart enough to teach are the same people who are too lazy to be good teachers themselves, let alone climb a mountain.

And now...I will hop off this soapbox...and go take my dog to the river.

Can You Believe...

2007-02-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

...It's been 23 years since I first stepped foot in Jo Baker's Barn, Thanks to you, Shelley?
...I've been friends with Shelley (Swelley, Smelley, Shell, Sisterly) Rogers - Gross for 25 years? TWENTY FIVE YEARS. That's as long as a lot of my friends are old?
...We made it to McDonald's and back on our futurity colts riding along IH-27?
...We never went to jail (although you got close with all your driving malodies)?
...We used to think that Tony Warren was hot?
...We didn't get caught sneaking cigarettes in Jo's trailer on the way to the state 4-H horse show?
...We could sing "Sisterly" for hours upon hours and it never sounded the same?
...I compared us to Thoroughbreds and Shetlands?
...although we didn't get caught on the Waterslide, I had to somehow explain how I lost three layers of skin from my arm from the last time our parents saw us...which was supposedly going to bed?
...Missy McCarley broke her back on a trampoline?
...we snuck out of our dorms at State Round-up EVERY YEAR and we THOUGHT no one knew?
...we used to eat the 2-4-6-8 special at DerWienerschnitzel?
...Squeezie Buns?

Can you believe that nothing has or will ever change about how well we know each other and love each other?

What not to wear...

2007-02-04T16:20:00.000-08:00

In a steadfast attempt to NOT watch the SuperBowl today (yeah, I know, I'll miss out on all the water cooler chat at the office tomorrow) I have had the channel on TLC. It's been a "What Not to Wear" marathon. And I have to say...whatev. I know I'm not so stylish...but look where I live. If I wore what they recommended for "casual day wear" casually during the day around here I would have been tossed out of town a long time ago. This is New Braunfels. We go barefooted into the convenience stores, we wear our dad's cutoff jeans when we go shopping and we have been seen out on the town with our bathing suit straps hanging out of our oversized, out of date t-shirts that DON'T match our water-logged, worn-out flip flops. I've got a few tips for them...when fishing at the dam, silk is what not to wear. When riding around town with the top of the jeep down, cashmere tunics are what not to wear. When having a bbq down by the river, jimmy choo's are what not to wear.

...I can't wait for summer!

I'm Getting Married...

2007-01-31T20:15:00.000-08:00

...to my best friend. To the person who found the best in me and who forgives the worst. To the most patient and kind and gentle soul I've ever met. To the man who makes me feel safe, even while he's snoring on the couch, completely unwakable. To the man who brushes off the yuck of a bad day with the simple sweet gesture of brushing my hair out of my face. To the the only person I have ever let wrap themselves around my heart without limits or conditions. To the one companion I've ever had who places the same value on the words we choose to speak...and therefore appreciates the value of silence as well. To my dream boy...my missing piece...the yee to my haw. I am getting married....to the "absolute without a doubt make me gush cuz I'm so in love" love of my life

...and to think. I thought I'd never love another being more than Dude. ;-)

Ahhhhh...2007

2007-01-11T13:16:00.000-08:00

It's here. We all knew it would be sooner or later. I have to say, for lots of folks in my life, I'm so glad 2006 is behind us. Lots of hard times for lots of people I love...But now 2007 is here. Out with the old - in with the new. I LOVE this time of the year. Cleaning out closets and drawers, computer files and kitchen cabinets...it's completely symbolic of cleaning out my mind and heart and priorities. Getting rid of all the clutter and getting back to what really matters. Of course I have been accused of being a little OCD (thanks for the shirt, Mom).

In case you're wondering about the pic...it's the spot where Joel and I will be getting married on May 5. Yes, Cinco de Mayo. It's a labyrinth at the Red Corral Ranch in Wimberley. It's pretty representative, I think. Life is a maze, you know. And my maze led me to an amazing (pun intended) place with Joel. I get all mushy talking about it...

Just wanted to wish you all the best in 2007. It promises to be full of love and hope and dreams and joy...if you let it...if you keep searching for your way in this maze of a life. God Bless.

Funny Computer Cameras

2006-11-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Tee hee hee...I couln't resist. We were playing with Shannon's new computer and photo program...

Our MS Walk

2006-11-09T19:49:00.000-08:00

The scenery was absolutely beautiful in Philly. The weather was perfect when Natalie, Shannon and I got there and the trees were juuuuuuust starting to turn. We got to our hotel Friday afternoon and met up with Christy, our team mate from Illinois. We grabbed some dinner and our "rock and roll" costumes from the mall next door and hit the hay for a good nights rest.

Saturday we met up with Liz and Grace at the registration site and it was hugs all around. Christy and Liz and I had participated in a breast cancer walk together in New York a few years back, not all of the rest of the girls had met. We made all the introductions, got our credentials and headed to the opening ceremonies. Grace carried the Texas flag for us and Christy carried the flag for Illinois. She represented well...But from then on we were dubbed "Texas." After a little warm-up, we were off. It was sooooo beautiful. We started at Winterthur Park, part of the DuPont property in PA/DE (lots of that around there).

We met an amazing woman today. She was one of the first walkers out. I watched her take off with her friends, keeping up with them at their quick pace. After the Red Dirt Rocketts made a quick detour to the restroom we found ourselves behind her again. She was having difficulty with the rocky trail and had slowed down quite a bit. Liz and I caught up to her and as we all walked together, she hollered "Hey, Texas!" We struck up a conversation with her and immediately made a real connection. Ellen was diagnosed 5 years ago with MS. She hasn't been to a doctor in 3 years because she doesn't believe in the treatment and doesn't believe in holistic treatments. She has tried several different drugs but for now, chooses the chance of an off day over daily injections. "Today," she told us, "is a REALLY off day." She has participated in all four of the PA walks and this would be the first she wouldn't be able to finish. MS was the only thing Ellen didn't want to talk about. After a very brief synopsis of her condition, the conversation quickly changed to normal rhetoric about pets and kids and jobs. Although every step was a struggle to her on that rocky path, she was not going to let it define her to "Texas." She completely "set the pace" for the rest of our 30 miles.

We had a tremendous experience during the entire weekend. It was tough and it challenged all of is in many different ways. We encouraged each other, we slowed down when we needed to and we pushed ourselves to keep up when we needed to. We laughed a lot and we talked a lot...and, well, we walked a lot. 30 miles. It takes a half hour to drive...and it took us two days to walk. All I can say is...WHERE ARE WE GOING NEXT YEAR, GIRLS?

2006-11-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

Bush: Thousands Of Registered Democrats Needed For 'Extremely Important' Mission

WASHINGTON, DC—The president praised stalwart, progressive Democrats as "the only ones capable" of making the highly secret operation a success.

The Stones, baby...

2006-10-24T14:58:00.000-07:00

I'm in awe. Yes, I know I owe a blog about the walk. And believe me - the MS walk was a life changing experience...but this Rolling Stones show...WOW! Sunday was quite possibly one of the best days Joel and I have ever had together. We spent the BEAUTIFUL afternoon plopped down in the lawn of Zilker Park, watching all the people finding their way to the bathrooms, the beerstand and, as in Willard's case, the popcorn stand. Hippies, bikers, cowboys, yuppies, people with mohawks, people with tattoos, young people with their matching LL Bean backpacks and blankets, old people with their head-to-toe stones outfits...42,000 of us all there to see Mick Jagger and Keith Richards shake their money makers. We made our way up to our seats right before they went on and sat still for all of about 15 minutes. Once we got up to visit the portapottie we never sat back down. People were dancing EVERYWHERE. It was absolutely the most energetic show I have ever been to...like a wave of it starting from the stage and passing through every single person there. I couldn't stop grinning. Joel and Willard were most impressed with the production (they ARE techies). All the screens and pyrotechnics...We could feel the heat of the fire when they played Sympathy for the Devil. They played Honky Tonk women and the crowd went nuts. It was an amazing night.

It reminded me of why I love music. 42,000 people in one place at one time...very different stories to tell, different songs we wanted to hear, different religions, politics, hair styles, clothing choices, very different people in general...but one common thread tied us all together.

The Rolling Stones, baby...

Home

2006-10-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

I spent the end of last week on the road with Joel. I love going out with the guys and I love seeing all the friends I've made through the years with Ragweed out there in this big ol' world...but I love coming home. We dropped off our bags, cleaned up and headed to Wimberley to visit Joel's family. It was a beautiful day to spend with beautiful family. We went to look at a couple of places for potential wedding sites for Tara and Johnny Mike (Joel's brother and fiance), ate some barbeque and just visited. It was a great way to spend the day. Home.

Yesterday was busy again. Regular Monday work stuff...then a baby shower and an engagement party in Austin. It made for a sort of frantic afternoon but both parties were worth it. Tonight we are having Brian and Melanie over for dinner. Actually, the guys are cooking. Shrimp boil I guess. Mel and I have vowed to stay out of the kitchen. Tomorrow we head out to see the Dedringers here in town and Thursday Joel leaves. Busy busy busy. It's that time of year I guess.

We go on our MS walk next week. Holy Cow! I can't believe it. We will be walking 30 miles over the course of the weekend. I'm really excited...and nervous. There are six of us girls going, then spending a couple of days there to see the sites of Philly. Thanks to all the folks that helped us out...donated to the cause. Each of the six of us have some very important people in our lives that we are walking for so it means a lot to all of us to have your support.

Weddding plans are coming along. We have a date and a place...We've started looking at invitations and actually think we've agreed on one. Now we just need to finalize the invitation list so we can figure out how many to order!!

That's all for now...going to a shrimp boil at my own house! How awesome is that???

The Little Things

2006-08-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

I've spent a lot of time watering the grass lately. You might equate it to watching it grow...but it's pretty soothing. Sort of mind cleansing. Watching the plants and such spring back to life with just a little TLC is amazing to me. The heat has been out of control and I won't even begin to talk about the drought. So they are taking some extra effort these days. Anyway, I like watering the grass by hand. It makes me feel like I'm physically doing something to help my hot and thristy yard.

I started with the trainer last week. Actually, we just talked last week. She took my measurements and made up my meal plan. Although she wanted me to follow the actual meal plan "to the t" for three days, lucky for me, I had already gone to the grocery store and bought what I believe to be good food (fruit, veggies, chicken...) so she cut me some slack. The bad (bad bad bad) part was the measuring. The scales I can rationalize. The measurement? Not so much. Percent body fat, circumference of my hips...whew. Y-U-C-K-Y. Then again, that's what she's for, right? To leanify me.

I MISS MY B-IANCE!!! (B-iance, btw, is my term of indearment for Joel...a combination of boyfriend and fiance. He'll ALWAYS be my BOYFRIEND!) They've been gone since July 11. They'll do a drive-by on the 15th or 16th for about 24 hours...then back out for another 3 or 4 days. I've gotten a lot done around here and stayed busy so that when he gets home for a few days I won't feel so guilty for hiding away with him. Mmmmmmmm...I miss his face.

Mom went to California last week with my Aunt Diane. They take a trip together every year...a pretty cool tradition. I haven't heard the story yet, but here's the pic she sent. That's mom, btw, in the picture...on the right - not the left (although politically, she stands on the left along side Clinton even though they are both currently cented on this blog...). ANYWAY...

I smiled as big as she's smiling when I got it. The composition of the photo alone is hilarious to me...I can't wait to hear how it happened.

See, it's the little things that make us smile. Whether it's watering our grass or bumping into the former Pres...these are the days of our lives.

I'm Back...

2006-08-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time...but I'm back. I've been inspired by my soon to be sister and a good friend from my days at AQHA. They both make me laugh and think and miss story telling.

I tried myspace for a while...but I got a little overwhelmed with the friend requests, random comments and the "hurriedness" of it all. I mean really...all those people are my "friends" anyway. And "my space" has always been my friends' space...why do we have to be so...virtual about it?

It's like the difference between living in a big city and living - oh, say...here in the winter. Myspace makes me feel anxious and frenzied...and guilty for not replying or accepting friend requests from people I don't even know. Robin's Hood is more laid back...work at your own pace - visit at your leisure. Know what I mean, Vern?
I like it here. I think I'll stay.

Daylight Savings...Time?

2005-04-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Is there really such a thing? Are we saving daylight or time? Daylight Savings. And will there be an account we can access for those days we're just not ready for the sun to go down? A "daylight rollover" account if you will? Hmph.

I shouldn't complain...I love the extra hour or two or three of sunshine after work. Beats leaving this office in the dark every day.

That's all...

Ad Nauseam

2004-12-03T00:13:00.000-08:00

What ever happened to peace, love and understanding?

Word for the day: ad nauseam. I'd tell you to look it up, but it's not in spell check, the NEW virtual-world dictionary. Had to resort to ye ol' hardback dictionary to double check my spelling. It's one of those words (or would that be two of those words) we don't use enough. Pretty self explanatory, though...ad nauseam. Add nausea. The definition is "to a sickening extreme." Politics ad nauseam. Drama ad nauseam. Discontent ad nauseam. I plan to bring it back to my everyday vocabulary...ad nauseam. Mwwwwaaaaa hahahahahahah.

Over & Out
rd