Connected!!

After two new toys and needing adequate space (the dining table) to work at home I have now set up wifi. I treated myself to a media tablet (think Ipad but smaller and less expensive). In addition to being able to check email it offers an ereader function (even though I had said I didn't really want an ereader...). The functions are droid based so I now have access to different 'apps' without having to have an (expensive) Iphone or other high tech phone. So I'm not really certain what all I can do with the tablet just yet I will figure it out and can do so from the comfort of the couch!

My honey got me a digital frame for Christmas and it's more high-tech than I knew was available--he did good! The frame has wifi capabilities allowing me to 'send' pictures from my computer--how cool is that?!?!?! Who knew I could be so high-tech!

He 'Gets' me......

Thoughts....

Wow...hard to believe the year is almost gone....what a whirlwind. Ups and downs but it's the 'ups' that come to mind the most and that is a good thing. The first part of the year had some rocky spots--especially the major flare in March. Then things began escalating...25 year high school reunion--renewing friendships....easing back into the dating world then eventually jumping with both feet....R and B becoming parents to a good kid with room in her heart for love....and then my honey coming into my life in September.

I could have never imagined the road I would travel at the start of the year--each experience and journey adding to enriching my life. And so very blessed to be able to share with great people. As I look at the calendar and see 2010 coming to a close I can't help but think of all the wonderful things I've encountered and look forward to in 2011.

Enchanted Rock...

After breakfast this morning the honey drove us out to Enchanted Rock....and we climbed to the top!! Just a little over half a mile--but rocky and steep in some places. We probably stopped a few more times than the honey anticipated but he was a good sport about it and view was worth the trip.

Morning Drive....

After breakfast the honey drove us down to Matagorda down the beach a bit....such a nice morning with the windows down, watching the surf roll in......

Weekend Getaway.....

Had a wonderful time last weekend when the honey took me to Austin, Llano and Fredricksburg. Satuday was a rugby game in Austin.....hopefully I'll learn this sport one day......Sunday it was off to Llano where we ate, looked through a few antique stores (his idea-believe it or not) and just relaxed......Monday was a run through Fredricksburg for shopping (again, his idea!), some beer and then back to reality.....He makes certain I have the best time and tells me it's only going to get better......

Sunday Afternoon....

It's a wonderfully lazy Sunday afternoon. Saw Case 39 last night with my honey........and currently he's snoozing on the couch while I play in my scrap room/studio. Working on various Walk-related projects and just playing....if only this day could go on.....

Neglected but oh so busy...

I haven't done very well lately blogging on a regular basis....life has just been busy and that is a good thing because it involves another. Work is still a bit crazy but I think I'm starting to get a grip--at least I hope I am. Spent most of the week in Galveston for state conference and evenings with the honey out at the beach. Didn't really manage to keep up with snapping pics for my 'page a day' birthday album so not 100% certain that will happen and I'm okay with that.

Seems I've had quite a bit going on and it looks to be continuing but I'm good with that. I've met the sweetest, kindest man and am enjoying every minute and we try to spend as much time together as possible. He's on board with all my craziness including Walk and wants me with him for his rugby games. I know nothing in life is perfect and that we have to LIVE every moment we can and that is just what I'm doing. I may not always have time for everything but I'm okay with that.

More later...hopefully some pictures too!

It's a beautiful morning.....

...just wish cooler weather were here.....the last few days have been well, fabulous....shopping, spending time with special people....movies---ok so the one wasn't so great..but the second was funny....don't and I mean do NOT waste your time seeing George Clooney in The American....I thought The Final Desitnation was bad but I was wrong; it is much more entertaining than the American....at least TFD held my attention and with better intrigue and suspense....now The Other Guys with Will Farrel and Mark Wahlberg was funny and held my attention...and I must admit, actually turned out to be better than I anticipated--after Anchorman I've been leery of Will Farrel movies--but The Other Guys was good....good action, funny, even some suspense.

So here I am at Sunday morning looking at my day before me....need to do a little grocery shopping, meeting Carol for lunch which I'm really looking forward to--seems forever since we've spent time together, hoping to accomplish a few things around here--laundry, picking up, etc., and really hoping to spend time this evening playing with paper--several projects I need and want to get into.....yep, gonna be another busy day and busy week....but the weekend is coming!!

Good Grief!....and 44 approaching....

GEEZ....I knew I'd been busy but I can't believe I've not blogged in over a month...Summer at the office has been brutal and who knows when things will start to slow.....Classes have started and everyone is trying to get into a routine...or back to a routine....

With that said I am once again in my routine of chronicling the month leading up to my birthday. I started this the year I turned 40. I scrapped along the way so only a page of two to finish by my actual birthday....41 I had an excuse for being a bit behind and taking longer--I celebrated that year with a trip to Branson. That was bittersweet considering the last time I celebrated my actual birthday in Branson was my last trip with mom. Instead of getting to see the Oaks on the 4th I got to see Tony Roi-the Elvis Tribute artist and later that evening I went to the 'Tillis Family Reunion' with Mel and Pam Tillis--mom would have been proud.

And then came my 42nd year and man what a year it was! The early part of the year started with strange things happening with the final result being a late spring diagnosis of MS. Time to learn a new normal. Documenting a page a day become more meaningful that year....but it also took some extra time. It was mid to late November before I actually finished; but I did finish. Obviously 43 was next. I was still learning how to juggle my new 'friend' and still trying to burn the candle at both ends and in the middle. I still haven't finished 43.....

So here we are now....just four weeks away from the big 44....I have my album...I've started to document through pictures--and I've printed them! I have high hopes of keeping up this year so that by the time the day actually rolls around I will have an almost complete album--we'll see how that goes....wish me luck!



9/6/10--lunch at Lopez and the new CK



9/7/10--New shoes!!

Last Weekend's Treat....

Last Saturday morning (7/17) I dragged myself from bed and headed into town to check out CKC at the Westin Galleria. I walked around numerous times but found very little to make me part with my money. Afterall I believe I have enough scrapping supplies to last me a while--but it's always fun to look. Bought some glittery fall color embossing powders--which I keep saying I need to play with. Since I was in the area-and feeling I needed a treat after my week-I stopped by Crave Cupcakes. YUM. I got a chocolate coconut cupcake and a dark chocolate cupcake. By the time I got them home I'd managed to turn the box on its side so they didn't look quite as pretty but they tasted just fine! Saturday evening I had the chocolate coconut with a glass of milk and Sunday evening the dark chocolate with a glass of milk. Wish I had one now...but may try my hand at making cupcakes later....easier and cheaper!

Crafty Kinda Day...

...so weekend plans didn't go quite as thought.....and instead of Austin I would be hanging around my area......so I went to R's to help get control of the art room (which wasn't all that bad--things just needed to be put away) and then R and Miss I and I spent a few hours creating. I learned some metal techniques, R did some quick scrapping and I worked with Miss I on learning some basic sewing stuff. I had a great time. Both are wonderful girls!

YUM!

Spent the evening of the 4th with the Lunch Bunch Girls....lots of food and plenty of laughter--no major injuries this time-I think...though one person did end up in the pool (but that was just RD and he doesn't count-lol)! Let's see....lots of catching up.....our own episode of stupid human tricks.....several 'guess what this really is' pictures....a makeup session with a 13 year old boy who was such a good sport...Yep, fun with the girls!

Create!

I have finally gotten out of my vegitative rut and have actually done something productive! This is a mini album of the girls night out pictures from the first of June.

Recruiting Time....

Please join me for the 2010 Sugar Land MS Walk, Saturday, November 13, 2010, at Oyster Creek Park

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/TXHWalkEvents?px=4886693&pg=personal&fr_id=14605&et=HNLpP88DZ-WBN6yfwl3zRQ..&s_tafId=165398

Here he comes....

okay...so the picture isn't so great but you get the idea....this is Alex and he's heading for South Texas or so the news says.....first hurricane of the season.....first to head for Texas.......omen?

Welcome Home!

R and B welcomed their new daughter last week and several of us welcomed R to mommy-hood with an adoption shower...and their daughter joined us! She is a delightful young lady and has just made a lovely couple a wonderful family! We all know there will be ups and downs as adjustment occurs but Miss I now has a permanent home surrounded by many who love her who she will grow to love as well. We know the good will outweigh the bad. Welcome to your future Miss I!

Randomness...

It's been a while since I've updated....been on the go.....

Girl's Night out.....



Scrapping with Debby Schuh




Such a busy time...both work and personally......summer is in full swing and things seem to be going 500 miles a minute. So many changes at work and things needing attention.

R&B welcome their new addition this week and we are all thrilled beyond words! Can hardly wait to hang out.

Had a great day Sunday scrapping with Joey and Na...so much fun--we MUST do that again sooner rather than later.

Various relationships on the horizon for several so good thoughts there.....

...now if I could just figure out when to take some time off and what to do!

TOO flippin early.....

too flippin much going on! I spent most of the weekend hanging out at home getting things accomplished around here. Don't get me wrong, there is still plenty to be done but looking around there are definite signs of accomplishment---actuallly feels good! And it was kinda nice being at home for the weekend--looking forward to the possibility of doing that again.

As for the too flippin early...I am up before 5am and about to get dressed and head into the office.....which will make for a very long day. Yesterday was just shy of fourtenn hours...and even then I basically made myself come home....so it's off again because there is so much to be done.

Lots happening......

Escape Needed.....

Things are hectic.....for some reason I thought once the Reunion was over things would be a bit more, um calm. I was wrong. Seems things just keep getting more and more busy It's up to me to find down time amid the chaos.........some relaxation....

Here we go again....

Annoying little issues have won me another MRI....and another neutralizing anitbody blood test. Once all that is in Dr. B will make a decision as to just what he wants to do/try.....since I seem to tolerate the Acthar well he said he may have me do that once a month in addition to the Betaseron. Not sure what I was expecting this afternoon but I know it wasn't that. Oh well.....

Neuro checkup....

Neuro appointment Wednesday.....possible discussion regarding (in)effectiveness of the meds......are they or aren't they.....

Work in Progress....

I finally got in the studio to begin organizing. I've only made a small dent but at this point I look at that as a small victory! Other parts of my home need attention but I know in time I will make progress. I may actually work on a few reunion pictures before bed!

Time does fly......

Two years ago tonight I was nervously awaiting my first appointment at UT with Dr. Brod. I was wondering what the next day would bring and hoped if nothing else it would hold answers. Hard to believe it's already been two years....and in some ways it seems longer.

The good news is that tomorrow is Friday and I actually forsee a somewhat busy weekend. Tomorrow night is a gathering of classmates--Isaac will be back from Africa! I am really looking forward to that. I'll be crashing at Wendy's since we're meeting in Humble. After a busy, tiring week I am not about to drive home. Hoping to head home somewhat early on Saturday as there are numerous things I want and need to do.

Work is becoming atrociously busy and it's only going to get worse before better. To add to the mayhem, I've got two doctor appointments next week and another at the end of the month. Looks like May is medical month for me! One day at a time.

The first MS Walk Committe meeting is later this month and I'm looking forward to that. Glad I can make a contribution.

So much fun!

Oh What a Night.....

25 years in the making......despite being humid and hotter than hades, last night was wonderful! It was so much fun seeing so many from high school days...and the really cool part were the relationships that just picked up where they left off 15 to 25 years ago. So many I want to stay in touch with and hope we can make that happen.

THAT time of year....

The paper is coming in and the files are multiplying like rabbits. Already in the (bad) habit of working through lunch......c'mon September......

Getting Close...

Picked up drinks last night for the reunion...this is by no means all that will be needed but this is a start...and my part. Getting together this evening to go over final plans and set schedule for Friday and Saturday preparations......25 years in the making...

Texas Bluebonnets

A BIG THANK YOU....to all the BP MS 150 Riders....

Flashback Friday....high school pictures.....

98 Years Ago....

98 years ago the Titanic, dubbed unsinkable, did in fact sink.....taking over 1400 souls with it to the bottom of the sea.......