A (sort of) Quick Update

Mercy. Time is flying! I've been so, so busy at work that I don't have much free time, even at home. Things like cleaning house, cooking and doing laundry somehow trump blogging. Dang it. In the next two weeks, my 45 seniors will submit over 100 college applications. That's a lot. And it's not all.

Also on the docket: having my wisdom teeth removed this Thursday. Ugh. I've had horrible headaches the past few months, and we seem to think that this could be a cause, so we're starting with the obvious. I'd love prayers for a smooth procedure and quick healing. (See above: 45 seniors submitting 100 college applications by November 1. I have to be back at work next Monday.) My oral surgeon seems hopeful that things will go well. I'm hopeful that he knows what he's talking about. And do you know that the I.V. scares me more than the procedure? Ha! Oh, and I learned today that if you're a newlywed, and you keep a doctor's appointment a secret, co-workers think there's a baby involved.

Over the weekend, Husby and I celebrated a year of marriage. On day 364, I learned that he doesn't like Cheez-it's. On day 365, I learned that he's allergic to tissues, which is why he uses handkerchiefs. I'm most sad that he doesn't appreciate a Cheez-it. Poor thing.We went to the Big City [Dallas] to celebrate. Thanks to Hotwire, we had a pretty nice hotel room for the price of a Motel 6 (or Hotel 6 as Husby calls it). I'm for sure doing that again! I love a good deal. I'll share more about our trip later.

I was so, so happy last night when I read my September issue of Real Simple Magazine. Yes, I'm behind. (See above: 45 seniors/100 applications. They're my life.) I must say that just seeing the magazine peek out of the top of the mailbox makes me grin. But this had a Bed Bath & Beyond coupon in it! I swear I used to get 1-2 per week, but I've waited for about 7 weeks and didn't get a single one. I needed it to use with gift cards we received for our wedding to buy this:

It's the InStyler--a rotating hot iron. I can't use a regular straight iron because it singes my hair; I'm hopeful that this will do the trick. My hairstylist used one on me a couple of hair cuts ago, and I loved it. I can't wait to use it tomorrow.

Oh! Guess who I saw today at school... the prince of Saudi Arabia. Isn't that cool?! He was in town for some medical procedure (so goes the rumor). I thought that was pretty dang cool! That probably won't happen again. :)

And one last thing...today we celebrated a birthday at our house. We have a six year old. I just can't believe how time flies!

Crickett, at six years old, you are:

Able to tear the squeaker out of a new toy in less than 30 minutes.

Eating way too much. We actually switched your treats today so lower your daily calorie intake.

 I'm sure you'll be so happy about that over the next few days.

Waking me up at about 4am to get into our bed. (I have to lift you up since you're so short.)

Picking up your empty water cup and throwing it across the floor when you want more.

That sign language just isn't working.

Completely against any physical affection between me and your dad unless you're in the middle.

Okay, I just couldn't resist. Y'all have a great week. I'll be back more consistently at some point.

Weekend Update: Caddo Lake and Other Fine Things

On Saturday morning, as we feasted on blueberry muffins and coffee with Coconut Creme creamer, we watched a little TV. Truth be told, I love watching the Saturday morning line-up of That's So Raven, Hannah Montana, and The Suite Life of Zach and Cody. I do realize that I've seen most episodes at least four times, but when you don't have cable for several years, you adjust to the programming on the free channels. And sometimes you like it. A lot. Since Husby was watching with me, I didn't know how much more Hannah Montana he could handle, so I offered to let him change the channel. Wouldn't you know we found the BEST show on PBS?

(I would like to point out those things in the above paragraph that could cause you to pass judgement: Coconut Creme creamer, my preferred Saturday morning viewing, and choosing to watch PBS. Go ahead, judge. Although I DON'T HIGHLY RECOMMEND the television line-up, I DO HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Coconut Creme creamer and some shows on PBS.)

The show we watched--and set to record future episodes--is The Daytripper. It's this guy out of Austin, Texas, who travels to different cities around Austin that make for perfect day trips. I was all ready to get in the car and do this day trip: a stop in Luling for BBQ and a watermelon; then to Gonzales to see the "Come and Take It" cannon and onto Shiner, Texas, to visit a little brewery. Then I remembered that a day trip for him would require a weekend for us. Still itching to travel, by lunch, I decided that we WOULD GO SOMEWHERE. And that somewhere was Caddo Lake.

Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in Texas. Let me tell you, if that's what you get with natural down in the South, I'll take artificially made lakes. And by artificially made lakes, I sure do mean swimming pools. Although mysterious with the cypress trees and Spanish moss decorating the trees, I was a little hesitant that the map given to us had an alligator prominently on the front of it. I really don't do alligators. Oh, and did I mention that we took Crickett? A 14 pound dog would be just the perfect sized snack for a gator. We didn't go too close to the water so that she'd be guaranteed another day. Although, I suppose it would have been fine since people were actually SWIMMING IN THE WATER THAT LOOKED LIKE CHOCOLATE MILK. It gives me the heebie jeebies just thinking about it!

Since canoeing was out of the question, we decided hiking through the nature trails would be a good outdoors-y activity. We had a great time, and Crickett loved it! I felt like I could become a little more outdoors-y. After a bit of walking around, it was time for lunch. We came prepared with our cooler filled with sandwich makings, cherries, Pringles, and Mini Oreos. Once we felt refueled, we decided to escape the heat of the day with a side trip to Jefferson, Texas. Filled with antique shops, Husby stayed in the car with Crickett and read his book while a perused some of the stores. As we'll have kids one day, we've worked to build a children's library. I found a used bookstore and scored several Dr. Suess books. Then we headed back to Caddo Lake.

We hiked around another trail for a bit before we decided to set out our chairs and blankets for an afternoon read. All was well until Crickett came and stood beside me, at which point I DISCOVERED TICKS ON HER. OH.MY.GOSH. I had a mini-breakdown, since neither of us has had experience in tick-removal. We immediately packed our things and headed home. We received many tips for removing the parasites, but decided to go with the recommended light-a-match-and-burn-it-out-then-touch-the-tick-with-it-before-removing-it-with-tweezers. AND IT WORKED! Hallelu!

So after discovering ticks, I decided that the outdoors could be for others who enjoy sweating. I don't mind it, as long as I know there's some relief. Ha! I much preferred my morning coffee with a great friend, followed by making a Memorial Day dinner of chicken and dumplings with chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

Three Monthiversary

Today marks three months of marriage. And three great months at that!

Once we were done eating lunch, I declared that I didn't want to go home. We both love spending time at home, and given the option, we'll usually stay in. But today, I wanted to do something different; I just didn't know what the something different was. Husby thanked me for my ambiguity as I gave him the challenge of coming up with an activity.

(I really think that it helped spur him to come up with something once I mentioned I was in the mood for shopping.)

Since it was such a beautiful day, he suggested that we go to Tyler State Park. I agreed. Once we arrived and walked around for a bit, we decided that it would have been a great idea to change out of our church clothes. About an hour later, we arrived once again in jeans and tennis shoes with books, chairs and Crickett.

The three of us walked through the woods for about an hour. Of course, Crickett, being a hound, led the way with her nose to the ground. And she stayed on the trail the whole time. (She's just so smart!)

After our walk, we found the perfect spot of sunshine where we set our chairs and began reading. Currently, I'm set to finish Three Cups of Tea. The school where I work is doing an All-School Read with this book.

(I've wanted to read it for a while, but now that it's an "assignment", I don't want to read it.)

(And honestly, if it weren't required, I would have stopped reading it. It's just not well written. I think the contents would have been adequately written in 180 pages, not over 300.)

We read for quite a while, until it began to cool off, and we decided to head home. We ended our afternoon with a trip to Sonic.

Now, I'm about to start dinner. A friend is coming over, and we're having root beer short ribs with mashed sweet potatoes. I hope it tastes as good as it sounds!

A Bit of Joy

On a day where I have to think to breathe, I love coming home to my sweet, little Crickett.

No Place Like Home

This week I attended a conference in San Antonio. I missed these two a lot. I think they missed each other, too.

I also missed the humidity of East Texas. I know, I can't believe I'd make such a statement, but I did. It's good to be home. And because I'm home after a week away, I'm feeling a tad domestic. I think an apple pie might be on the agenda today.

The Only Bug I Love

Meet Crickett. Crickett Marie, to be exact. Yes, it's spelled with two "t's". Yes, I know that cricket only has one "t", but I'm her mom, and I was able to choose. Crickett and I have been together since Christmas 2004. I mentioned to my parents that if I ever got a dog, I would want a miniature dachshund. Well, she was my "big" Christmas present that year, weighing in at about two pounds. She was, and is, so cute! I tell her all the time that she's the only bug I love.

I'd never been a dog person, but that had to change. Quickly. The first week I had her, she was able to chew threw a Pack 'n' Play (we thought it'd be better if she had more room than a kennel). I moved her to my kitchen and put a baby gate up to keep her contained. At two pounds, she knocked it down. I should have known at that point her persistence. By the end of the week, she had her very own kennel.

Some things that I happen to love and loathe about Crickett:

• I wake her most every morning. She sleeps until I get up, no matter how late.
• She the moodiest dog I've ever met! She's quick to let me know if she's mad. She ignores like none other.
• Crickett has epilepsy and takes seizure medication twice a day.
• She sleeps with me and has to touch me all night. Sometimes I can escape.
• I say "kennel," and she goes straight to her kennel. Well, most of the time. Not so much when Jeremy is around.
• She loves fruits and veggies! She thinks that bananas are meant to be shared.
• She hates when her tummy touches the grass when going to the bathroom, especially if the grass is wet!
• She "sings" with me when I sing How Much is that Doggie in the Window, but only to that one song.
• Crickett was almost given to Animal Control when she chased him down, barking the whole time.
• She's so smart! I swear, even if she did chase down Animal Control. If I say a name, she gets so excited. Especially if these names are: Jeremy, Gran, Grandpa, Chad or Sarah (my roommate). And she knows certain turns when going to Jeremy's or my parents. She starts jumping around in my lap, where she rides anytime we're in the car.
• She loves chocolate. I think it must be a myth that chocolate is toxic to dogs. She's eaten her fair share of Hershey's kisses--carefully unwrapped with the flag removed. I'm not kidding. She also loves brownies. Really big brownies.

I just love having a dog. Well, most days. Crickett is the ONLY bug I love.