Finally Friday

It is finally Friday. It feels like this week has been incredibly long and I am so glad it's over.

We spent the evening hanging out at the apartment, watching movies and playing Life. Andrew won, as always. Then we put on a scary mask and freaked the mess out of Tillie. It was funny.

We went to DSW during lunch, which just opened yesterday. I found these really cute boots and this really cute bag. But I didn't get them because we're broke. Awesome.

Oh, and then there's this.

Meet me in St. Louis!

We went to the main library downtown tonight after work. Tyler and mom went with us. I helped Tyler pick out a bunch of books including this one -- my favorite as a kid. We also picked out this one for my mom to read to him -- one she read many times to us growing up. I got two books: "Those Who Save Us" by Jenna Blum and "The History of Love" by Nicole Krauss. Both seem pretty interesting.

After dinner (chicken breasts, broccoli, boiled eggs, and milk) I got a super headache and my plans to work out got put on the back burner. Andrew was sweet to me though and made me tea and put on Meet Me in St. Louis, my very favorite not feeling well movie. Fingers crossed that the next time I watch it, I'll be in St. Louis. Wouldn't that be nice.

Past, Present, and Future

We went over to the rents' house for dinner. Mom made homemade lasagna and salad. Andrew and I brought the wine. It was incredible. They finally got their flat screen TV on the wall in what is to be the new den. It looks nice but now it makes that TV look small. I guess they're just going to have to get an even bigger one.

Dad showed me a picture of my great great great grandfather who we just found out lived his whole life right here in Arkansas. He is buried in Carson Lake, Arkansas which is near Blytheville. We threw around the idea of going up there and going through the old records at the courthouse to see what we could dig up about him. Interesting, huh?

We were also presented with a pretty incredible vacation opportunity. We're excited to see what happens with that.

I am getting ready to meet Kat up at the gym to train for the up-coming half marathon. And I am full of lasagna and wine. This could be bad.

Can you tell there isn't a whole lot going on with us?

We walked out our door this evening to find these little guys in the front yard. I guess all the rain we've been having has been beneficial to more than just our flowers.

We hit the gym tonight and ran into Kat & Gary there. We may have talked Andrew and Gary into running the half marathon with us. So, that's kind of exciting.

Also, Andrew and I are looking into getting iPhones. Yay!

Still haven't heard anything back on a job...

Scorpion in the house!

So, last night, Tillie and I shut ourselves in the bedroom, turned out the lights, and went to bed fairly early while Andrew and Schuck stayed up, laptops connected at the dining room table, playing video games until the early morning hours. At a little after one, I awoke to Andrew standing over me exclaiming that he caught a scorpion in the living room. I woke up this morning to discover the pictures Andrew had taken of the little creature on our camera. And when I questioned him about it more in detail this afternoon, instead of ensuring me that it was the most harmless kind, he tells me that it was a tiny one and apparently, with scorpions, the tinier the deadlier. Nice. Now everywhere I go, I expect to see some little thing on the floor with its pinchers waiving madly in the air. I don't care if that thing had cruel intentions or not, scorpions are creepy. And the next one I see doesn't stand a chance -- let that be a warning to all poisonous insects.

My mom picked Tyler up this morning and I met them for lunch. Andrew called me as soon as we sat down to eat and ended up meeting up with us and we all had lunch together. Then Tyler came over after work and he and Andrew played Star Wars legos. I watched the season finale of the Bachelorette and just like I predicted, Ed won. It was sweet too. And I am awesome with my ability to predict the future.

Here is our current situation in detail for those of you who have been following along:

On or before August 14th, I will lose my job. Our company is auctioning off all of our stations and the local station, the only one with a sales team, has been purchased already. The people who have purchased it however, do not have the budget to bring the entire sales team on. They are still wrapped up with FCC stuff but as soon as everything is set, they will take over. That may happen at any time. I could walk into work tomorrow without a job. It won't be any later than August 14th, this I know for sure. I have been applying to as many places as I can. Every week. Wherever it is. I have applied for many here in Little Rock and even one in St. Louis (fingers crossed that one works out). Until something happens with that though, we are here in limbo, waiting. It is incredibly frustrating and at times discouraging but Andrew is being incredibly supportive and I know things will work out eventually, just how they are supposed to. And we will be fine. So don't anybody worry about us. But do continue to keep your eyes and ears open for something (anything, really) relating to marketing, pr, advertising, communications, or broadcasting. And thanks.

Productive much?

Woke up early this morning and cleaned the apartment. It smells pretty now.

Picked up Laura and Dan from the airport this afternoon and then had dinner with them. I got to drive Laura's new car. It was nice. It makes me want a new car but I'd rather have a house first so I will have to wait.

Mom came over and we went on a walk with Tillie and looked at houses. Every time I look at houses, I want one even more. Hopefully it will happen for us someday soon.

Andrew and Schuck are over here playing video games (again) and I am bored. I've done laundry, talked to both my mom and Katherine on the phone, cleaned, planned to reupholster the chair in the bedroom, and taken on a spray painting project in which I spray paint random picture frames in the house to change it up and make things seem new and exciting again.

Time to make some hot tea and dive into Anna Karenina by Tolstoy.

"Your Dog Is Amazing"

First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY NOLAN! It is my nephew Nolan's birthday and he provided the title to todays blog. He just loved the pictures of Tillie when we were visiting.

We didn't do much today, I worked and Meghan spent the day with Tillie and bought groceries.

We rented Bedtime Stories from the Red Box and watched it after a nice chicken pasta dinner prepared by Meghan.

I know you see a lot of picutres of our Tillie but I promise we aren't those people. Really, we aren't those crazy weirdo dog people. You have to understand...her little face...it's so cute. And it really is a big part of our day so it is just natural to have her in our pictures.

By the way, this is hilarious: You'd better think twice America!

The day the laundry was done

"A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine."

-- Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Had lunch with Mom today @ San Fransisco. Then we went to Old Navy. They had some really cute sweaters and button down shirts. I pined away a bit after them but got over it quickly. With no job on the horizon, we just don't have extra money for new clothes right now. Boo.

I ducked out of work early to pick up Laura and Dan and take them to the airport. Dan's family is throwing them a wedding shower in Michigan this weekend. And I finally got to see her new car, which is like mine, only newer. As a thank you for taking them to the airport, Laura got us a bottling of Riesling, which is fast becoming my favorite wine. It's called Encyclopedia and I'm pretty sure it's made my Frances Ford Coppola. Crazy. It made me think of the Walker twins and their band, Encyclopedia Brown. It tastes pretty good too. I am enjoying a glass right now.

Andrew and I went to dinner @ Larry's tonight because we have no groceries. And I finally got started on the mass of laundry taking up residence in our hallway. I'm pretty sure I haven't done laundry since we got back from Ireland. It has gotten pretty disgusting.

Kat called me this morning to inform me that one of our favorite movies of all time, Alice in Wonderland, is coming out on March 5, 2010 as a live action movie. It is directed by Tim Burton (genius) and stars Johnny Depp so I know it will be fantastic. We already have a date to go see it the day it comes out.

Check out the trailer: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/aliceinwonderland/

Marooned...

Crashed. A routine patrol in the contested Outter Rim gone bad. Off course, under geared, and his X-Wing in shambles Luke finds his current position unsettling. He can't help but chuckle to himself, "How do I get myself in these situations?" His mind expanded on that question and it began to unravel a sinister plot. A plot that was set in motion when he launched his hidden, and sabotaged, starfighter off of the Nebulon-B Medical Frigate Tridandan roughly four hours before. Was this another bounty hunter attempt on his life or was it bigger. It felt much, much bigger. Eyes closed and emotions silenced Luke stretched out with the Force...

We’re no strangers to love,

You know the rules and so do I.

A full commitment’s what I’m thinking of,

You wouldnt get this from any other guy.

I just wanna tell you how I’m feeling,
Gotta make you understand…

Never gonna give you up,
Never gonna let you down,
Never gonna run around and desert you.
Never gonna make you cry,
Never gonna say goodbye,
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you.

Oh man, you just got Rick Rolled... Thats embarrassing.

Pretty uneventful day. You might can tell that by Luke strolling around on a remote dessert planet. The first time he has been on recon without his faithful compainion R2-D2 since the Courscant smuggler blockades. It was hard this time, leaving without R2. It was as if the Force was telling him that he was going to need him. Need him more than usual that is. There was no way around it though. R2 had important computer relay protocols needed to continue an investigation on Jonas Simbacca, a notorious arms dealer. Luke was on his own this time and he knew that was going to pose a

Never gonna give you up,
Never gonna let you down,
Never gonna run around and desert you.
Never gonna make you cry,
Never gonna say goodbye,
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you!!!!!

Oh...my... Muah hahahaha! Twice! Arn't you pink!

Well I'll shorten this up because this isn't going well for you. We had dinner at Corino's with Meghan's parents and then went to Sonic for icecream. Good times.

Have a good night and be wary O'the Rickster.

Black and White ( ...And Gray Too!)

Isnt' that the truth? Gray is always under represented in the naming of a BLACK and WHITE photo. It is very sad. Gray is one of my all time favorite colors. So to Gray I say, "Not today my friend. It may be a day of many things but not one where YOU are forgotten!"

Sometimes you just got'ta champion for the little guy.

We've had this camera for what.. months right? I just now found out how to use the black and white feature. And it seems (to me anyway) that any picture looks just a touch better in b&w. I don't know why. I took pictures of the ceiling fan and I was making Meghan look at them like they were pictures of Bigfoot or something. Incredible.

So I'm still working and doing that school thing all the while Meghan is really working (real job) and applying for jobs like a mad woman - I think it is great. Tomorrow she is applying for a job in St. Louis. Pretty rad I thought.

Coraline!

Coraline came out today and we rented it and sat down to watch it with blankets and pizza. I know I am supposed to be running today, but it has been raining nonstop for the past 2 days and well, cut me some slack. Anyway, that movie is a little creepy but still really cute. You should watch it. And if you can get your hands on a few pairs of 3D glasses, watch the 3D version. It is the first stop motion film ever in 3D... awesome.

I am loving some Irish breakfast tea lately. I have a glass at least once a day. It makes me happy.

Kat, I saw your pictures from San Antonio -- it looks like you guys had a really good time. I almost came by the salon today but then I remembered you weren't getting back in until this evening. I have missed you. Please let's hang out soon.

And Rim and Thelm, well, I am always missing you. Where have you two been all my life?

Someone's got a case of the Mondays.

Monday: same old story at work. Still haven't heard back from any of the jobs I applied for and that makes me incredibly frustrated and paniced. Not to mention there was crap in Sunday's paper.

Andrew couldn't find his keys this morning so he didn't go to work and instead hung out at the apt with Tillie all day. I'm jealous. Maybe I should lose my keys too.

Schuck came over after work. We ate @ McAlister's and looked at houses for sale. Then I watched the Bachelorette and they played Civilization 4. For those of you who keep up with the Bachelorette, I really want Ed to win. He's a nerdo and kind of awkward but I like them together. Kiptyn just seems like he's not so serious. But, we'll see.

Summer Camping Trip 2009

Saturday we had a rough morning. Tillie didn't sleep at all. She stayed up all night looking out the window of the tent, checking on us all, and keeping a lookout. And so we didn't get much sleep either. Then I woke up early, went running, and then came back and had pancakes. They were really good. We tried to do some fishing but found out it didn't work so well without live bait. So then we went swimming in the lake. Andrew and Tyler had a blast rough housing and playing football. I think I stepped on something and hurt my foot.

Later, after dinner, we tried fishing again -- this time with worms. But nothing was really biting. I don't think the fishing is so great at that lake, at least where we were.

That night we all slept better. Tillie was worn out from the night before and a lot more calm. She slept pretty much the entire night through. Really early in the morning Sunday though, we heard something outside the tent making a lot of noise. It sounded like a racoon scratching at the foot locker of food trying to get it open. Tillie heard this and sat straight up. She didn't bark or growl or anything, but she did try to jump right through the tent and get out there. I like to think she was trying to protect us but it may have been she was trying to jump ship.

We ate breakfast, spent a while around the campfire, and then packed up and left. Tillie really enjoyed the ride back down the scenic highway with the windows down. The weather was perfect. We stopped @ Ruby Tuesday's in Bryant (I didn't realize it was so close to your house, Tammy. If you had been home, I would have come by with Tyler and Tillie.)

We got home, gave Tillie a bath, took showers, and then had a 3 hour nap. For dinner, we went over to my parents' and they grilled steaks and we played trash train dominoes. Now it's late and our little family is tired from our adventures. We all need a good night's sleep to recover from our weekend. But I guess that means we had a good time.

CAMPING

This is our 200th post! Yay!

It's Friday and we are headed out to camp for the weekend. I'm pretty excited about it. All the rain has really cooled the state off and weather.com tells me we will be enjoying 80 degree temperatures all weekend. And yes, for July in Arkansas, that is cool. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the cooler temperatures than by sleeping in a tent, swimming in the lake, fishing, grilling, hiking, and running around in the great outdoors.

Have a great weekend everyone.

I see you seeing me

I have an enemy that lives very close by. You might could say the little stinker lives right here in my own home. You could even say he is always there lying in wait on the bathroom floor biding his time for the perfect moment to stub my toe and remind me...I've gained some weight.

If you know me you might not know (or you might) that I am pretty self conscience when it comes to my figure and the number on that evil Mr. Taylor. Over the last few months I've really let myself be quite lazy. Partially because I am lazy and partially because I have had some minor back problems. However about a month or two ago I decided that I was going to be lean. So that is what I'm going to do. Be lean.

I haven't much else to say except that I would like to commend my brother. My grandmother has fallen into poor mental and physical health over the past few years and Ben has taken in her dog Shadow. Now, when you've got a dog that just looks in your eyes and loves everything you are, faults and all, you've got a great dog. Shadow is a great dog. Now it is time for Shadow to be done. Old age, cataracts, and a tumor are weighing on her old bones and now it is time for her to really and finally rest. I'm very proud of my brother. It takes courage to decide to be there in the last moments of a life instead of just waiting for it to end.

The Half Blood Prince

No, Tillie is not the Half Blood Prince...I mean she could be...she is pretty underhanded and clever. No, no thats crazy talk. She'd be the Half Blood Princess. What was I thinking?

As you can guess we went to see the new Harry Potter movie at the Chenal IMAX. Now, I've never been to an IMAX before and let me tell you what I expected; A bubble like room that was all screen all the way around with the chairs just sort of floating in the middle. BOY WAS I LET DOWN. It was just a theater. Thats it. Chairs and a screen. The chairs did recline pretty far though and that was really nice. (not nice enough to make up for the lack of a high tech bubble theater with floating chairs.)

The movie was good. It was emotionally draining as you would expect. Meghan and I can not wait for the next two movies to come around. It is going to be wonderful.

Since we didn't take a cool picture while we were out and about on our normal day we settled for another of Tillie, The Half Blood Princess.

Enjoy it.

A good day for the Blues

Dark, rainy, and quiet. That was the day given to us in our small part of the world. Days like today really make me reflect on the ordeals that I've been through in my life. The same way a song or a smell can send you back in time. Rainy days are my gateway to another time.

I had the day off today while Meghan was at work and Tillie slept...all day. I took full advantage of my solitude and played my harmonicas. See, I like to play alone because I'm awful. Really. If I'd practice more I would probably be pretty good, but I don't. I have a good feeling when I play though. If you have ever created music, art, writings, etc. that really channels your true emotion then you know it is an amazing feeling. Whether you are good or not!

We took the day off from working out (training) because it was a day of rest for us. Pushing our bodies too hard won't do us any good. Especially Meghan, the half-marathoner!

I'm glad to have had a wonderful day like today. Even nostalgic rainy days are appreciated.

"If you don't think every day is a good day, just try missing one."
- Cavett Robert

Just another manic Monday

Today started my training to train for the half marathon. I have to run 30 minutes nonstop for 4 weeks before I can start the 10 week program. I was worried I would be stopping a lot to walk and be really tired really early on, but I wasn't really. And I only walked once and as soon as I slowed it down, I immediately felt ready to go again. So, I guess that's a good sign.

Then we met Mrs. Walker @ Kroger. Krit, your mom seems so excited to come see you soon! And Rim, your mom is pretty much resigned to the fact that you have fallen off the face of the Earth. I'm sure you know that she isn't happy with your decision to visit Greece solo.

Thurm, I'm so proud of your 5K!

One of the jobs I sent my resume in for sent me an application to fill out so I filled it out and sent it back today. The deadline for all applications is tomorrow. Hopefully I'll hear something back from them.

Now Andrew and I are settling in to watch The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Should be good.

The fox and the hound

We took Tillie to Petsmart this morning to pick up some stuff for our upcoming camping trip and while we were there, we went down the toy aisle to see if there was anything that caught her eye (since she has destroyed almost every toy she owns). We have a pretty fun selection process: we pick up a toy and throw it on the ground in front of her and see her reaction to it. If she seems really interested in it and starts playing with it, then we get it. You would think she would play with any toy put in front of her, but she doesn't. She is very selective. She knows what she wants and she holds out for it. So, we put this stuffed fox in front of her and immediately she picked it up and started shaking it and biting it. So, we took it home. And she loves it. It's the same way with the duck that she has -- there's just something about the toys that look like real animals. Maybe it's in her blood or instincts or something. Anyway, it's really fun to watch her play with it. She treats it like it's a real animal skin.

We went and worked out pretty hard this evening. And I used a few machines I hadn't used before. And now my arms are really weak and rubbery.

Also, the fresco menu @ Taco Bell is pretty good. And it's provides a lot of low-fat options. You should check it out.

Schuck is here and the boys are playing video games (again). I am thinking about just doing some laundry, reading a few chapters in a book, and going to bed. I'm tired. And this week is going to be a hard week so I need all the rest I can get.

Oh, and to answer your question, Ben, I am looking for any position relating to Marketing, PR, Promotions, Event Planning, or Broadcasting. Let me know if you hear of anything.

New Shoes!

Tillie and I spent the morning and afternoon together. And then I finally found some new running shoes that I actually like. So, I got them and they make me happy.

Then some friends from Jonesboro came into town for the evening and we spent time with them eating and hanging out @ Willie D's.

And then we stopped @ IHOP and got some late night food before they headed home. And there was this guy there that had marker all over his face. His friends had drawn all over him and he had no idea. It was hilarious. That's why this post is so late. We were just having too much fun to come home.

But now here we are. We are dead tired and need to get to bed so Andrew can get some sleep for work in the morning.

It's Friday night and things are pretty laid back here as usual.

We went to dinner @ Larry's with Schuck and now the boys are playin XBox in the living room and I am parked in bed doing all the girly things I can imagine: surfing the internet, reading Cosmo, and watching chick flicks from my best friend, the Red Box. I know I should be doing this with my girlfriends but one is reuniting with her husband after a week apart, one is across the country, and one is across the world. And I'm prefectly content sitting here in a nest of pillows and blankets with Tillie to keep me company. It beats being at the gym anyway. I decided to take a break from that tonight.

Holding on

Nothing new to report here.

Job search still going on.

Still trying to hit the gym every night.

The healthy eating continues with lots of glasses of milk and fresh fruit.

I've made up my mind

I think I have decided to run the half marathon with Kat in December. So tonight Andrew and I hit the gym to start getting in shape. I ran on the eliptical for 45 minutes and then did arms, legs, and abs. Thurm, I tried to call you to tell you I was in, but you didn't answer.

I applied for 2 jobs today and I'm pretty excited about both of them. The great thing about my situation is no matter what, I can only go up from here. Things can only get better. And I'm ready. I know I shouldn't get my hopes up, but I always do and that usually just sets me up for major disappointment. But I'm hoping this time that things don't end in disappointment. And I am applying to more jobs tomorrow. And my resume looks good. Things are looking up and I'm trying to have an optomistic attitude about all of this. I have my fingers crossed. But I'm still open. If you hear of any opportunities, send them my way.

Working on working

Spent pretty much the whole day working on my resume. I finished it late this afternoon and am getting ready to send it out tomorrow to all the jobs I have found so far. It's still early in the game though so if you know of any opportunities, there's still time to let me know. I'm open.

Kat and Schuck came over tonight (not together though) and hung out with us. Schuck brought barbeque and played video games with Andrew. Kat wants me to start training with her to run half marathon in Memphis in December but I am still debating on whether or not I want to commit to that.

Everything's changing

Had a rough day today. Got some news that hurt. Had some pressure put on me and I am going to have to make some pretty hard decisions really quickly. I don't know how much I'm allowed to say. I can say that I am back on the job market and looking for a new job. So, if any of you hear anything, let me know. And we would be completely open to relocating to St. Louis at this time. It seems like the perfect opportunity -- just saying.

We have been trying to eat really healthy lately -- lots of fruits and oats. We're just trying to be healthier individuals. So far, it's pretty easy and we are enjoying our new diet. We'll let you know how it progresses.

Sunday Sunday

Woke up in the wee morning hours to loud thunder and power outages which made me cuddle a little closer to Andrew, pull the covers over my head, and wish for it to be over soon. I can sleep when it's raining --I actually prefer it -- but thunderstorms are not my friend. Even Tillie sought refuge under the covers.

Andrew woke up early and headed off to a long day of work. I woke up later and met my parents, Tyler, and Rachel for breakfast. Then we headed back to finish off the rest of the fireworks from yesterday. And I got to share some of our funny pictures from the trip with Tyler and he really enjoyed them.

For dinner we went to Applebee's and used the gift card we had won earlier in the week. But we hardly ate any of it. I think I might have eaten one chicken strip. The leftovers are still sitting in our fridge. They've been there, untouched for a few hours now. And in this house, that's a record. We've been drinking a lot of milk lately and it has left us feeling pretty full all day.

I've been rereading the 6th Harry Potter book in anticipation of the new movie coming out in a few weeks. And we rented the video game but I already beat it yesterday.

Nothing else newsworthy to report unless you count grocery shopping, getting gas, and watering plants interesting.

Oh, but Andrew is unable to locate his phone at the moment. If you need him, call me.

Happy Independence Day!

"Saturday in the park, think it was the fourth of July."

Happy 4th of July!

Today we woke up, lazed around, got some lunch, and then headed over to my parents' house for a cookout. We had ribs, potato salad, mac & cheese, homemade bread, and strawberries and watermelon. It was delicious. Then we went outside to set off a few fireworks before heading off to watch the city's fireworks. They were pretty good. After those fireworks, we came back and shot off some more fireworks in the street. Fun!

Hope everyone had as much fun as we did.

nothing to do is nice sometimes

Andrew got sent home this morning because they were not busy enough so we got to spend the entire day together. We hung out at home, had lunch @ Chilis, spent some time with Tyler, had dinner with Schuck, and now we are all back at our apartment and the boys (and Tillie) are on the couch playing video games. It's been a pretty nice, laid back day. I wish we had more of these.

I have started reading the 6th Harry Potter book again so it can be fresh in my mind before the new movie comes out in a few weeks. It's a pretty good book. If you haven't read it yet, I encourage you to do so. As Nolan would say, "Try it, you'll like it."

We are missing Cork badly, FYI.

This is my Friday

Today was my last day of work before the holiday weekend. Nice. My boss and I met Andrew & Tyler for lunch and had a blast. And I got a new bathroom scale. And then I got to go home early. We rented the new Harry Potter video game and paid a quick visit to Kat at work. Then we got a few fresh veggies and meat for dinner. It was a very good dinner.

Tonight is like my Friday night and I am going to spend it cuddling with Tillie and Andrew and then I am going to bed incredibly early.

Watch this video of Tillie. She is adorable. We love spending time just sitting around watching her. Now you will too.

Happy July!

Sorry, I missed the posting time for this by about 30 minutes. But this is going to be about Wednesday, July 1, so just pretend midnight never happened.

Andrew and I got home from work and had dinner and then went by my parents' house and gave Tyler his presents. He didn't seem too excited about the hurling jersey but seemed interested in the prospect of having a hurling stick. And he really liked all the foreign currency we brought him back. And he seemed really excited to see the pictures we took of castles and mummified animals and hear all the stories associated with those pictures. He and Andrew will have fun spending the day together tomorrow.

Then later, Andrew and I went to West End for a farewell celebration for his boss. Is was crazy and loud but fun. We won gift certificates to Applebees and P.F. Chang's for door prizes. And we got some good baking advice from the pastry chef. Andrew has a Guinness and said it was terrible. Kevin, just so you know, Andrew said he will probably never drink a Guinness over here again. He is officially spoiled.

We're tired. It's after midnight. And I have a big day at work tomorrow.