Run-away Beagle

Brandon is fostering Daphne and Bruiser and D-Dog is already in trouble.

She's managed to dig her way out of his yard. I know it's stressing him out with having to chase her all over and therefore it's stressing me out. I feel so helpless. I'm here and Daphne is there. Brandon's doing the best he can, it's not him it's the never ending quest Beagle's have to follow their nose.

This weekend we're making a trip to Abilene to secure Brandon's backyard and try to make it Beagle proof. In the meantime, Johnny and (let me try to spell this right) Jonell are fostering D-Dog at their house. Thanks guys! Poor Daphne is probably traumatized with all this adjusting, but Bruiser couldn't be doing better. Last I heard Bruiser was cuddling with Molly, his sister.

Nikon vs. Canon

I'm currently camera shopping for work. I told my boss we could use my Canon SLR, but she is strongly against workers using personal equipment for work. So, the upside is I get a new toy at the state's expense...too cool!

I know several photographers and they swear by Nikon and so I went into this camera shopping adventure with the intention of buying one.

Today, I made my way to a professional camera shop and after holding the Nikon in hand I was disappointed. Trey was with me and he saw a Canon 30D and asked if we could test that one out. The camera body, the options, and especially the image stabilizer lens are very impressive.

Before I fall too hard for this camera, I have to check the specs to see if this camera passes the test.


Apart from camera shopping, I think I’m annoying Trey because everyday after work I come home and tell him how much I love my job. Most of the time he goes along with it, but now after almost two weeks he’s probably thinking shut-up already. Oh, well at least he doesn’t make it too obvious I’m annoying him. (love you trey)

Trey's Coming Home!

That's it.

From Abilene to Fort Worth and Back

This weekend I finally got to see Trey! We met in Cisco because Brandon graduated from CJC. I also had a chance to see my mom, Trey’s parents, grandparents, Shelly, and some old friends. Trey and I didn’t stay long after the ceremony because we wanted to get back to Fort Worth before midnight.

And now it’s start of a new week and yes, Trey is back in Abilene. We don’t know when he’ll start working in the DFW area, so for now he’s just working in Abilene and coming home on weekends (home now being Fort Worth). At least we had the entire weekend to see each other, but while he was here I put him to work. We went to my office and I had him hang several frames so at least now it doesn’t look so sterile.

We also had a chance to go to the mall and Trey bought a Tony Romo jersey. Regular retail price is around $200 and we found this one on sale for $50. I’m so glad we found it because I know he had his heart set on buying one, no matter how much it cost.

Submitting a Video To Oprah

My first video project here at UTA will be submitted to the Oprah show. Apparently students in one of the nursing classes initiated this video.



So, yesterday I had a two camera set-up and interviewed the class in a panel format. They talked about serious nursing issues that affect both you and I. The main issue discussed was the nursing shortage. Talk about a huge issue! Even if this video doesn’t make it on air, I hope Oprah raises public awareness of the serious nursing shortage in this country.

Okay, back to the video: So, by submitting this video they are hoping to stir up some interest and hopefully appear on the show. I would love it if it aired on national television. When my supervisor told me we’d be producing this video I told her, “I love Oprah, I tivo the show everyday!” No joke.

As you can tell work is great. The people I work with are extremely talented and I have so much to learn from them.

short and sweet

We don't have an ISP yet at the apartment so post may be slow the next few days.

I just wanted to let you know the move went smoothly, the job is even better than I anticipated, and living in DFW is AWESOME! The only downside is Trey is back in Abilene for at least a week working. I'll see him this weekend and hopefull he'll be done working there and he can start working in this area.

That's all I have for now.

10 Inches Later and What Seems Like 5 Pounds Lighter

Finally, my first short haircut!

Besides cutting my hair off, Trey and I have been making our rounds saying goodbye. I'm all ready to move and now I'm just waiting for it. All I have left to pack is the kitchen. One of the hardest things about leaving is not leaving my home behind, but leaving our dogs. Trey's brother is going to dog sit for us, for no telling how long. This morning I dropped Bruiser off to get neutered. I hope he doesn't cry too much.

Mac Account Expired

My mac account expired and I didn't feel like dishing out the money to renew it.

So, for now I no longer have a host to hold my personal website. Just thought I'd let you know. Bye-Bye website.

I've Never Had This--

Short Hair.

A couple of months ago, I told everyone: I'm growing my hair out to donate it to a child who has cancer. Time has passed and here I am with long hair, headaches, and split ends. It's safe to say I'm ready to butcher my hair. I have an appointment this week and we'll see if I don't chicken-out. As much as I want to cut it, I’m also terrified that it will look hideous. If it turns out to be a bad cut, don't plan on seeing any pictures posted online. Either way, I'll at least write to let you know how the hair looks.

By the way, I'm cutting off at least 10 inches! That's the minimum to donate to this particular hair collection center.

Shacking-Up…..In A Small Space

Since I last posted, things have been moving fast. In a matter of days Trey and I will be moving to Fort Worth to start our new jobs. This weekend we made a trip to the area with Johnny and Joneil, friends from church.

Trey and I are in the process of selling our house here in Abilene and we’ve decided we’ll shack-up in an EFFICIENCY APARTMENT for a few months while we’re in FW and eventually buy a house there. I can barely believe it, but this weekend we found an apartment. When we move into our efficiency apartment I know it will be a drastic change, since our current house is over 1,600 sq feet and this apartment is only 400. Yikes! I’ll adjust and I’m looking forward to living below our means. Joneil told me she’s really proud of us because we’re not using this new job as an excuse to splurge and she said Dave Ramsey would be proud. Who cares what Dave Ramsey thinks because I’m secretly excited about living a much simpler life for a while. You wouldn’t believe how affordable our rent is, even if I told you and the surprising thing about it is that we’re in a really cool part of the city. We have access to two malls, tons of restaurants, shopping, churches, and no telling what else.

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH: Side Note---Dominique Got THE job!!!!!!

I haven't announced this until now, but I’ve been interviewing for a job at the University of Texas in Arlington. Well, today I drove to the Metroplex for a follow-up interview. The interview was great like all great interviews are, so I left saying to myself whatever comes of this so be it.

After the interview I began the drive home. I hadn’t even made it past Fort Worth and they called my cell to ask me to join the team. And of course I said no….yeah right, I said yes before they had a chance to finish the question.

So what will I be doing? They mentioned mopping and sweeping and ….no just joking. I’ll be working in the school of nursing as the Audio Visual Specialist. Sounds different, but it’s exactly in my field of studies. My position supports the school of nursing through distance education, live broadcasting of classroom lectures via internet, video production (my favorite)--- like promotional and marketing videos and probably a little bit of photography.

I’m really not too surprised I got the job, considering I had an army praying for me. I’m telling you the women at my church are prayer warriors. Bravo first to Christ and second to the women at Buffalo Gap Church.

I Still Love My Mac

My Mac is being stubborn.

The other day I was restarting it and it threw a fit. My three year warranty expired some time ago and the extended-extended warranty expired about a year ago. So, I had no choice, but to troubleshoot the computer myself.

I didn't panic and worry about my computer never working again, like I normally do when this thing occurs. Instead, I stayed calmed and focused on fixing the problem. About 20 minutes later, I resolved the error and continued on with my life as if the computer never stopped working.

I know one day I will have to say goodbye to my little Mac. When it eventually dies I know it will be bitter sweet, until then I'm going to enjoy the longevity of this old computer.

The Month of April Brought Snow To West Texas

On the side of our house we have a huge antique rose brush. It always blooms in spring. I took this picture maybe two days ago.


And this picture was taken today. I can't believe it's snowing in April.

Picnic In The Park

Yesterday, I planned a picnic in the park. Trey dusted off his motorcycle and I rolled out my scooter.

Once we got to the park we found a great spot to eat, but the only downside was the sun was blinding. Luckily. Trey brought his baseball cap and let me borrow it.


We felt like kids on a field trip with our brown bags.


It looks like I'm about to smack this duck. I was just trying to feed it.


Trey is such a show off...look at him with all those ducks.

New Video's Posted on My Website

If you get a chance, check out my website: http://homepage.mac.com/dominiqueia

I just posted two recent projects I completed with the company I work for, Red 3 Productions. The video's were made for the Abilene Philharmonic. Let me know what you think.

A Perfect Day

Yesterday was absolutely beautiful! I know…I know it rained all morning and afternoon, but it was such a delight. Before it started to rain I went for a jog with Linda and hoped we wouldn't get drenched. Later I came home watched several movies and feel asleep on the couch. I need my rest because this weekend I'm going to be super busy with work.

I have great news: my night job will soon come to an end! That's right, I was talking with Trey about how I think it's a good time for me to quit and he said, "yeah, go for it." The night job was great while it lasted and we got the FPU "Debt Snowball" rolling. I think in our culture people don't take on their financial responsibilities like they need to. Sometimes, you just have to take a big bite of humble pie and be a responsible adult to take care of your future. Boy did I eat some humble pie and then some.

Enjoying the Journey

Since the beginning of the year Linda and I have been meeting at least twice a week to exercise and eat breakfast together. The conversations we have usually revolve around how we’re both intelligent women and we’re still unemployed (in the corporate sense). We’ve had our fair share’s of close employment calls, but nothing substantial.

About a month ago, she told me that we can’t get caught up in this rut and it’s not always about the arrival, but even better it’s all about enjoying the journey. Since that conversation I’ve echoed it over and over in my head. It’s about enjoying the journey because one day I’m going to wake-up and be thirty-something, with a job, a kid, a house, a car, a dog named Patch and realize I’ve arrived without enjoying the process. Besides, this part of my life is exciting! I’m young and I have ample opportunities in my future. But for now I’m going to live in the present and stop dwelling on the what if and why's.

I’m enjoying this current process that I’m in: the friendships I’m making, the mentors who are teaching me, and the free-time to be creative and pursue the things I’m passionate about.

Thank God, It's Not About Me

This is the new book we're reading in the Women's ministry. I already read ahead and I'm really looking forward to the discussion Wednesday. It's so easy to think the world in which we live in revolves around "ME."

Sometimes when I stop at a red light I look over at the person in the next lane and I wonder where are they going? Who is waiting for them?...It's a whole other life I'm unaware of, but it's going on. Just becuase I don't see them or know these people, the world is moving and people are alive. Does any of this make sense? So, what I'm getting at is we all exsist and it has nothing to do with us and everything to do with Christ. We exist for Him.

Brain Drainage

My co-worker and friend, Pete, starting v-blogging and I thought you'd like to see it. It's very thought provoking.

Robert Louis Stevenson

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."

Last night I went to church and found this quote in the church bulletin. It spoke directly to my heart.

New & Improved

Set Your Tivo

This show reminds me so much of American Beauty. I can't wait to watch the first episode this week.

The Riches

I Promise My Hair Color isn't Blonde

I've been without a cell phone since Saturday.

Apparently, when I went to eat at Montana's Restaurant, in Weatherford, I left my phone there. I thought I just lost it and didn't know where I had left it. I was thinking of buying a new phone, but Linda told me to try calling the restaurant. I did make the call and they found it! Thank God I don't have to buy a new one.

I told Linda I was embarrassed about losing my phone and she told me once she accidentally put her cell in a metal dumpster and her husband had to crawl in after it. Her story made me feel much better.

The Trip

This past weekend we made our way to Weatherford. We checked out apartments, real estate, and just the town in general. We really weren't planning on looking at any houses, but we found this amazing Victorian house for an unbelievable price. I should also mention the house needs some serious remodeling, but structurally it's great. Who knows if our house sells, if we move, if the same house in Weatherford is still on the market...if, if, if, we'll see what happens.

Trey and I have discussed that if our house doesn't sell in a few months we won't move and we'll be at peace with it. Either way we look at it, it's a win-win.

Floral Design

Who likes wallpaper? Not me. Since we're putting the house on the market, we have to scrap this ugly wallpaper. The previous homeowners loved it, but we say its got to go!

Looks like we might be moving

Last time I wrote Trey and I had an important decision to make.Well, the thing is Trey got offered a job, in Weatherford (near Dallas/Fort Worth). He would still be working for the same company, but be working out of the Weatherford branch. This inevitably would mean relocating.

Trey just got back from a business trip there. I guess you could say he was test driving the position. Well, after a week and a half staying in a hotel and working in Weatherford he says it’s great.

At first, I was extremely hesitant to even the idea of selling the house. After all, we’ve only lived here two years, but after time in prayer, I realized this is a wonderful opportunity for Trey to advance in his career and I guess for me to well….start mine. I love our house, but there will always be another house and I hear Weatherford has an amazing historic district.

The decision isn't final, but we are definitely moving forward to pursue the idea.

P.S. thanks for the prayers

Starting A Tradition

Saturday's I usually work from day till dusk. This probably won't change anytime soon and I'm okay with that because I know it's temporary.

Pre-part-time weekend job, Saturday's were spent leisurely doing a lot of nothing with Trey. Now that my weekends are spoken for, we've made a little tradition (really without even knowing). We go to the same restaurant every Saturday at a specific time, order the same thing, and eat in the same booth. We didn't realize we had been doing that until this Saturday when I called it out.

Aside from the working of a new tradition please keep us in your prayers. Trey and I have been given an opportunity and we want to make the right decision. Once everything is determined I'll inform you. Thanks to the few who think this blog is interesting enough to read and thanks for the little prayer.

A Glimpse of Spring

My tomato plant budding the soil

I Heart You

If no one has told you they love you today, let me be the first....you are loved and special in every way.

Well, Wednesday evenings are busy trying to leave work, eat dinner, rush to bible study, and then band practice. So, Trey and I had our Valentine's dinner Tuesday night. We had a romantic home style dinner and Trey actually helped clean up. While he was in the kitchen I couldn't stop laughing. He was asking what was so funny and I told him he seemed out of place. Seeing him in the kitchen was like seeing me tune-up a car.

Today, I didn't expect a gift. I think it's too much pressure placed on a specific day, especially on the male side. My husband has never been a master of the English language, but he found the perfect card that spoke directly to my heart. I in turn wrote out all the qualities I loved about him and what I was thankful for. There was lots of love, but it was really no different from any other day.

Not As Bad As I Thought

So, I got this second job working mainly weekends. I initially thought I'd be working every week night, but the way the schedule works out I've been getting all my hours during weekends. I love bringing in extra cash flow and Trey and I are well on our way to some financial freedom. Hooray for the Anderson's!!!

At first, I thought this job was going to be horrible, but it's really morphed into a great experience. I've learned a lot about myself and I've started managing my time more wisely. To make the most of the weekends Trey and I have been getting up early and getting out of the house several hours before I have to clock into work. This past Saturday we went to Home Depot and decided in the next year or so, depending on how things go, we're going to remodel the den. We decided on the wall color and type of floor. It's gonna look great.

In other news, today was absolutely beautiful. I think I got a glimpse of spring, especially when I went to water my indoor beefsteak tomatoes and saw them starting to break the soil.

You Had Me at Free Make-up

Earlier today, I went to the mall to buy some jewelry and this nice lady approached me. She was asking me about my skin tone, ethnicity and some other really random questions. One of the other questions she asked was if I could be a Mary Kay make-up model for one of her shindigs and portfolio. All the lady had to say was free make-up and I said sign me up.

I have no idea what I'm signing up for...yeah watch me regret this...(Lord help me).

Green Thumb

I've never claimed to be a gardener, but this year I'm reclaiming my backyard and flower bed. Springtime is right around the corner and I'm going to attempt to plant a vegtable garden. It's scary just thinking about it. I was planning on growing tomatoes, squash, peppers, a few herbs (the legal stuff) and maybe some carrots. In order to get a head start, yesterday I purchased a tomato planting kit. It takes a few weeks to grow and then it has to be moved to outdoor soil, just in time for early spring. I hope I don't kill it....wish me luck.

Feng Shui...Anyone?

Linda came over this morning to do yoga. As we were working-out I noticed the arrangement of my furniture and that got me thinking of Feng Shui.




I'm not really into the whole Feng Shui movement, but I do believe the arrangement of furniture can affect someone’s mood. Trey and I have noticed the den sometimes changes our moods. First of all the lighting is horrible. Also the lack of furniture makes it cold and uninviting. Any Feng Shui consultant would condemn our den. Yes, our den needs a serious face-lift, but I can deal with it.

Voted To Talk On Our Behalf

Sunday Trey and I had to stand before our church congregation and give a testimony about taking the Financial Peace University class. If you know Trey at all, you know he's not much of a public speaker. When he has to talk even in a small group he gets nervous and his eyebrows start to twitch. To save him the twitch, I was nominated to speak for both of us. I was a little nervous, but I got through it and managed to crack a few jokes. Trey just stood beside me and when I asked him if he wanted to add anything he said no.
Well, immediately after church I had to work. Trey drove the car as I changed clothes and ate. I hate rushing, but I'm glad my boss doesn't make me work on Sunday mornings.

Hello Again

Hello. I apologize for the gap of blog entries this last week. I have no real excuses so why bother making them up. The last few days I've been vegging out and recovering from working my night job. This weekend I'm working, but I'm only working half of the hours compared to last week.

Aside from that, things are good...not great, but you know good. Today is Trey's 24th birthday. I have to work tonight and I told him he should celebrate without me, but he insisted on celebrating tomorrow just so I can be there.

Well, it's been nice updating you and I hope to get more posts in next week.

White Blanket

Last night it snowed and this morning I rolled out of bed, feed the puppies and grabbed the camera.

Nights & Weekends

So, I got this part-time job, this is of course aside from my day job.

I’ll be working nights and weekends…so, basically when Trey is off, I’ll be working. It’s gonna suck for a few months, but like I always say, “I’m not making a career out of this.”

I’m gonna bust my butt for 6 months or so and do what I have to do in order to be where Trey and I feel financially comfortable (if that’s even possible, not just for us, but for anyone). Since taking the Financial Peace University class we’ve really laid out goals we want to accomplish and if that means getting a second job I don’t have a problem with that.

A Love-Hate Relationship

No, I'm not talking about my husband, mom, or sisters...instead I'm referring to a company...Apple.

Recently, Apple made an announcement and the world stopped to listen. Isn't it a sad world when more people tune in to hear what Steve Jobs has to say and few make an effort to tune in to the President's recent address? I haven't decided if I'm going to support the iPhone considering my history with Apple products. Only time will tell, but how can I resist the sleek technology that will depreciate my quality of life. Oh, the dilemma.

Yogis of the World Unite

Linda and I have ventured to conquer our yoga quest. She came over this morning, at the crack of dawn, with two yoga mats in hand. So, I guess yoga is my latest obsession of the month. I'm getting better everyday with my flexibility.

Besides all that, I've been pretty busy. This week has been bizarre and uncomfortable, but this weekend I'm looking forward to spending more time at home.

Who Said Yoga Was Easy?

I've always thought anyone could do yoga. I thought it was a type of aerobic anyone could do regardless of their athletic state. This week I've been practicing it and have managed to tangle myself with myself.

These positions are ridiculous!

Resolving to Make Changes

2007 will be the year of change. I've made a list of resolutions.

1. To work-out
2. Eat healthy
3. Continue to refrain from sodas
4. Knock out some serious debt (Trey and I want to pay off the house in 5 to 6 years).
5. Challenge myself to continue my education outside of a classroom setting.
6. To be a better wife, neighbor, sister, friend, and worker.

Last year I followed through with most of my resolutions. I joined a gym at the beginning of the year and hit the gym hard until my contract expired. After the membership expired, I continued to find ways to stay active. Previous resolutions included giving up sodas. Okay, I didn’t give them up all together, but “most of the time” I drink water instead. To all of you who are making resolutions I wish you the best.

The Year of The Great Accomplishment, Followed by Disappointments, & Finally Redemption

The Great Accomplishment
After struggling through college math courses, financial aid, and scholarship applications, I completed college in May! My mom cried, I cried, and the proud look in Trey’s eyes made me feel like we had both graduated and earned that degree.

The Disappointments
So, with a degree in one hand and the world of opportunities in the other, I was sure I’d find a job immediately. Five or six rejections later, I learned more about myself than I could’ve imagined.

Redemption
While searching for a job I started working for this production company. Four months later, I still enjoy it and enjoy the company of my co-workers. So with that being mentioned, I’ve set aside looking for another job and feel this employment may have an opportunity to afford itself.

In other highlights:

Trey and I
Trey has been amazing this entire year. Back in April I would lock myself in the guest room and study through the night. Not once, did he make me feel bad for it. He was also extremely understandable when I went a month without working. In general, Trey and I have been blessed this year. We’ve found a church home, we joined the praised and worship band, we took a financial peace class, we’ve been able to make new friends, and we’ve been pretty healthy.

Friends
This year has been somewhat of a repeat of senior year in high school. Linda my best gal pal was with me then and she came to my rescue on several occasions this year. We were both going through the same decisions and opportunities and found great comfort in talking to each other.

Daphne and Bruiser
Since I moved back from LA I’ve been able to walk the dogs at least once a week. Bruiser and Daphne also made friends with Sam, the boxer, from across the street. Trey and I love Daphne and Bruiser and thank God for their health.

Farwell, 2006 and I guess 2007 can only be better.

Selling Cool Stuff We Don't Need

Trey and I are selling stuff we don't need anymore.

Jasmine Acoustic Guitar for $40


55 Gallon Fish Aquarium for $150 (minus the cowboys sticker. the sticker can easily be peeled off)


PSP for $180


Jeep Mountain Bike for $50 (this is a steal)


Tomorrow I'll insert more pictures. Let me know if you're interested....

Gingerbread Kid

Over the holidays Amy and I were talking about Trey and I one day having kids. She told me we would have ginger kids, like that episode of South Park. It's the episode where Cartman labels all red-heads as gingers. I couldn't stop laughing and told Amy we'd have to name "it" Ginger. Yeah right.

Early Christmas Breakfast

For some insane reason, I offered to cook breakfast for some of my family. I woke up early and of course they arrived late. Once everyone was here we had waffles, pancakes, biscuits and gravy. Yummy. After breakfast we opened gifts.

I’m not really big on gifts, but Trey did get me something thoughtful. Yep, he got me a Dallas Cowboys jersey. Sounds like something he’d ask for. The jersey is a kiddie size so it fits better than most jerseys.


Here are some pictures that I would like to share with you.

Trey and I posing in front of tree. Oh, I'm dreading taking this tree down.


We took this picture yesterday at Amy's party.

Christmas Came Early

Christmas came early for our four legged babies.

Daphne got a sweater (I know I'm that kinda of dog owner. I can't help it).


And Brusier got a festive doggie bone.


Well, Christmas is almost over and to think it hasn't even started.

My Hair Can Always Grow Back

A man in our praise and worship band is growing his hair out. When someone asked him why, he told them because he was donating it to a cancer patient...and that got me thinking.

I did my research and I too have decided to grow my hair out. I think I'm going to donate my hair to Locks of Love. L of L is a non-profit that makes wigs out of hair donations and then turns around and gives them to children who have cancer. It will probably take me a year to get my hair long enough, but my hair grows fast.

Things To Do Before We’re 25

A few weeks ago I was going through an old journal and found this list. I remember writing it with Trey over 4 years ago. So the list goes something like this.

1. Married
2. Have a jeep (Trey)
3. Have a VW (Dom)
4. College education
5. Trey making --- (like I would really post that)
6. Mutual Funds
7. ------ in savings
8. Fish Aquarium (this is so random)
9. Live in big city
10. Place Dom wants to go- Hollywood
11. Dom wants to become a good cook

What a strange list. Trey and I obviously have changed some of our priorities. We’ve learned it’s not how much you make, what you drive, or if you have that big aquarium, but the things that do matter are an education, family and a good meal every once in a while.

P.S. We do have a huge aquarium that is empty sitting in the corner of our room. Any offers?

The Date, The Weekend, & The Week Ahead

Let’s start with the date-
The record still stands. Trey didn’t cook for me, instead I cooked and we watched a special on the NFL network about the Cowboys QB, Tony Romo. Wow, that’s what I call a good time! Football on a Friday night what else can a girl ask for? It’s alright, luckily for my husband I’m not high maintenance. In all truth, I actually enjoyed myself.

Now moving on to the rest of the weekend-
Every Christmas work party I’ve attended has been boring. So, with that being said, I expected a dull night. So, the party was at Miller Ranch and began at noon and ended the next morning. To my suprise the party was so much fun! It was definitely one of the best parties I’ve ever attended. Trey and I spent the night and we managed to snatch a secluded room while some people had to sleep in an open area on bunks (suckers). It was nice meeting everyone that Trey works with. Now I can put a face with the name.

Finally the week to come-
Well, I’m actually still recovering from the weekend. Sunday my little sister and I went out to the ABC bike trail and rode 8 plus miles. My butt is sore and I know Natasha is probably in pain because she doesn’t usually ride. Anyways, I guess this subject line more or less relates to the weekend. Umm, the week ahead looks good. And I know I’m going to have to get gifts together, start baking, and figure out what we're doing on Christmas day.

Is it a date if you stay home?

I've been thinking and I think married people need to go out on date's too.

Trey owes me big and he has never-never-never cooked me dinner and my one request for our date night is that he cooks for me. I know, I'm too demanding.

Well, we're staying in tomorrow and I hope it goes well.

High School Humanities Journal

Back in high school I kept a humanities journal and my teacher would respond. I found the journal the other day and thought I should post this.

Please excuse the sloppy writing. I was going for the Kerouac method. You should click the image to enlarge it.



When I first read this quote I thought I wrote it and was feeling atiquite (did I spell that right?) and then I read that I was not the author. Despite the questionable authorship, I still love this quote.

Snooze It

What's wrong with me? I should've gone to church this morning.

But it's so hard to get out of bed when it's cold outside and the sheets are sooooo warm.

5th Job Rejection, But Its Not Like I'm Counting

In an earlier post, I failed to include a fourth job rejection and today I can add one more to the growing list.

Before the rejection bothered me tremendously, but now I have a different attitude. I can't help but think of Matt Redmen's song, "Blessed Be Your Name."

"Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing you pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord Blessed be your name"

O Christmas Tree

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Christmas.

This weekend Trey and I dressed the Christmas tree. I love having the tree up, especially in the living room because it's so inviting. But we really need to buy a skirt for the tree because right now we're using a towel so the stand won't scratch the floor.

Family, Food, & Football

It's over. Wow, this hosting Thanksgiving is hard work. Well, I'm glad to announce the turkey not only looked beautiful, but it was delicious. Not too dry and not too moist, but just right.

Here are a few pictures I managed to snap before 28 people stormed my house.

Like I mentioned, Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and football. Trey seems to think it's all football. As you can see my husband is ready and waiting on the couch for the game (wearing ofcourse Cowboy get-up).


Mom's to the rescue


This pie was a big hit


Angelica was ready to eat and couldn't help, but to dig in.


Look at that golden brown turkey. This was my first attempt to EVER make one.

Bright and Early

I've been up since 4 am working on the turkey! Right now I'm just killing time because every hour I have to butter the bird up. The day should be filled with 3 "F's": family, food, and football. Yesterday, Natasha and I did some serious baking.

So, this year I'm thankful for so much. I'm especially thankful for my family and my church family.

I better go because I need to do some work around the house.

Here's the supreme cheesecake
Here's Tasha displaying her proud veggie tray.

When I get around to it I'll post more pictures. Don't you love pictures? I do!

Much Needed Walk

So, I'm dealing with my third job rejection of the year. Yesterday, Amanda called and wanted to go for a walk and boy did I need it. I walked and in between the silence I thought about where my life is going and where I would like it to go. I always try to remain optimistic through everything. This year has been trying, but I do have so much to be thankful for.

On a more positive note, yesterday I had a job interview and we'll see what happens with that. I'm still working part-time at my other job which I absolutely enjoy, but I didn't go to school to be a part-timer.

Financial Peace

Trey and I have been attending a financial peace class at our church. You might know it. It's the Dave Ramsey video class. We've learned so much and it's been so helpful, especially since we're a young married couple.

The objective is about getting and staying out of debt....paying off all existing debt, paying off the home early, and finally investing. I think the biggest thing I've learned about myself is this money thing is primarily self-disciple.

Hands Down, But Not When You're Driving

You know those days when you get in the car and you feel like turning up the radio and singing to your favorite song as loud as you can? Well, earlier today I had to drive out of town to record a legal deposition. On my way home I was thinking of my junior year of high school and popped in a familiar tune of Dashboard. I reached over and cranked-up the radio and screamed the lyrics at the top of my lungs:

"Hands down this is the best day I can ever remember,
I'll always remember the sound of the stereo,
the dim of the soft lights,
the scent of your hair that you twirled in your fingers
and the time on the clock when we realized it's so late
and this walk that we shared together.
The streets were wet
and the gate was locked so I jumped it,
and I let you in.
And you stood at your door with your hands on my waist
and you kissed me like you meant it.
And I knew that you meant it,
that you meant it"

I'm so glad nobody was driving near my vehicle. I'm sure I looked like a mad women. But you know, it felt so good singing. It was great. I strongly recommend it.

Not a typical Sunday

Sunday's are typically relaxing with not much to do except go to church and come home. Trey normally sits on the couch from noon until night watching hours of football and I clean, but yesterday was different.

My mom called me and said Amy and I are on our way over to talk about Thanksgiving. I wasn't expecting any company, but I said sure. I received that call at 1 pm and by 4 pm we had a full house of people. It was nice seeing everyone and just hanging out. I don't know if I've mentioned this, but I'm making the turkey for Thanksgiving. I'm nervous, because the bird is the main dish....yikes! My mother-in-law is making the ham just in case.

Friends From LA

I received an e-mail from one of my old roommates and I really miss all of them. It'll be a year in December since I last saw them.
My roommates: Mary, Danielle, Jennifer, and Me. Sarah Bohl took the picture.
Last year when we had some rare-free time, we all went to the Santa Monica Pier.

Socializing a Doberman

A while back, my neighbor Amanda and I had talked about walking our dogs together. She has a boxer and I was worried that Bruiser, my Doberman, would freak-out when he saw her dog. But after I purchased that spiked collar for Bruiser I told her I felt more confident, so yesterday we arranged to go on the walk.

Before we met them outside, I talked to Bruiser like he was a human. I said, "I need for you to be on your best behavior because we're going to go walking with Amanda and her dog Sam." I think the chat helped because I didn't have any problems...and all this time I thought he only understood Spanish.