Podwina

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

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...

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

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...

...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...

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...

...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

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

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

Our MS Walk

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?

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...

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

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

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...

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?

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

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
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