Simple acts of kindness

Joey and I have been so busy lately with the house hunting, paperwork, dealing with work issues, finding things we need for the house, etc.  So we decided to take a break and head to the Flying Saucer last night for some beers.  It was crowded and the only table was with a man sitting by himself at a table for 6.  We joined him and chatted for a few minutes and then had the spacious table all to ourselves.  We chatted like normal people on a date and watched the baseball game.  Then another couple sat with us, around our age, seemed like nice people.  We did not talk but they enjoyed a few beers and left.  Then a group of 5 adults came and sat with us, 2 had to sit somewhere else b/c the table had no room.  They were a happy bunch, celebrating a retirement.  So happy they bought our last drink.  Two of them were from San Antonio, one from california and the rest from Phoenix.  So you KNOW we had a lot to chat about, seeing is I just moved from there.  We were having a great time and come to find out, they all were in town for a conference b/c they all work for USAA.  Well, if you do not know, I have EVERYTHING USAA, accounts, cards, loans, insurance…everything.  They were just thrilled to hear this and this only fueled their happiness to be around us.  The night does end for us working people so we got our check and as soon as I took out my USAA card, they cheered again.  As I passed my tab to the waitress, one of the gentlemen took my card, tossed it back at me, and paid for our tab.  It was a simple act, not too expensive but it was enough to help us out, especially with us paying down our debt and getting a new house.  That act of kindness reminds me that there are good people out there and I hope I can return that favor one day to other unsuspecting couples/families.

these are a few of my favorite things

In keeping in line with Jeni’s theme…these are things I love about fall:

Bonfires

Warm sweaters

Sleeping in the hammock with a blanket

Hot chocolate

Wearing thick socks around the house

Cinnamon sticks

Trendy jackets

The crisp air when you first go outside

No frizzies

Fall walks

The smell of wet leaves

Soup in a breadbowl on a rainy day

Thanksgiving and family

I love the change of season, although I will definately miss summer.  This next year will bring about good things and lots of love, happiness, and good times!

Vision 2010

I worked on a financial plan for Joey and myself this morning in excel and I’m quite proud of myself.  I like to call it “Vision 2010″, our views on our finances for 2010 and where we want to be.  It’s divided into an income section, stating all our sources and how much.  Then it’s divided into an expense side, stating all the bills, what is owed, etc.  I will be documenting each month as the bills go down, savings, go up, and what extra we have to go onto other bills.  Reason being is we do not want to have to rent for a year now.  We’d like to save up to buy a house.  If we can sell our two trailers and two bikes, our bills will be mostly paid and within one to two months, we can be debt free.  That is very crazy to think, but it makes me excited.  Then we can save for a few more months, start looking for houses, and possibly get a new bike for Joey with the house, and a ring for me! 

I’m typing this not only to stay organized, but so we can present this to my mom and dad and show them our goals and what we are working towards, so they know that we are not just “living there” to live there.  We have set goals, dreams, and where we want to be.  Yes, its nice to live at home, but I am a grown up and even though they know I’m responsible, I want to show them more and how much they are appreciated.  They don’t see me going out to eat or spending it on random things all the time and I think that helps.  Yes, it sucks to stay home sometimes, but I think of that vision, and it’s not worth going to the saucer all the time ( sad, I know), or spending money on something I don’t really need. 

So I need that encouragement from you all to keep me going.  Vision 2010-doing it right this time!

My Bears

Beat the Pittsburgh Steelers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looks like a good year, despite that first game. 

And here is my favorite player….

Matt Forte, a great Running Back! 

DA BEARS!!

Top Running Songs

It’s hard to stay motivated when you are running.  The fact that I can’t use any music when running my race kills me, at least its a rock and roll marathon and bands will be playing along the way.  While I do run, here are some songs that keep me pumped:

Sixx AM-Life is beautiful

Shinedown-Second chance, Devour

HInder-use me

Baby bash-cyclone

Anything by Three Days Grace or Theory of a deadman

Miranda Lambert-Gunpowder and lead

Miley Cyrus-see you again

destiny’s child-survivor

Cavo-champagne

Katy perry-waking up in vegas

Cobra starship-good girls go bad

Breaking Benjamin-until the end, cold, diary of jane

Lots of Nickelback

Five finger death punch-never enough

Rihanna and Bon Jovi

So much more but these are a few of my favs.  Some come and go the more I listen to them, the more I get annoyed by them and then they gain their popularity again later.  You know how it goes.  Use whatever makes your heart race and pumps you up!

Half marathon Training

For 4 weeks now I have been preparing for the San Antonio Rock and Roll Half Marathon…a whopping 13.1 miles (seems so far to me).  I have 8 weeks to go until the big day.  I run here and there, according to my training schedule.  I mix in cycling, weights, etc.  But today was my first long run…7 miles.  It seems so far doesn’t it?  7 miles!  I woke up to rain.  Great, now I have to go run on the treadmill.  I got to the gym and hopped on the woodway (the best treadmill out there).  The first two miles sucked.  I had a cramp in my side and I knew I had 5 more to go.  About mile 4 I felt good, about mile 5 my deodorant was wearing off and I started to feel bad for those around me lol.  But I made it, even walking for about 4 minutes mid way.  I still managed the 7 miles in 64 minutes.  Wow right?  I predicted to end the race in 2 1/2 hours, roughly 10 minute miles.  The way I ran today would be roughly 2 hours, quite an improvement. 

I think a big thing that helped me was running on this:

The Alter G.  Its an anti gravity treadmill.  You put on these neoprene shorts and then zip up inside of it, it fills with air and you can take up to 80% of the weight off your body.  It literally lifts you up as you run so you can run faster.  I ran 4 miles in 30 minutes on it last week if that tells you anything about how much faster you can train.  But do not underestimate the power of the alter g…I was sore the next day.  If anyone can try one, I recommend it.  It’s great for just the average person and for those with injuries. 

I’ve come to realize and finally get it down to a science, what I should eat before I run.  One slice of high fiber wheat bread with one tablespoon LF peanut butter and some honey.  Digests fast but has the carbs to keep me going.  All runners should try! 

Off to recover and elevate my legs!

Straight or curly

Either way, I can’t get there without my hair straightener.  My CHI has lasted me about 6-7 years now.  It’s dying, just like most people’s do.  I have to hold the cord a certain way for it to stay on, lengthening the time it takes me to straighten my hair.  My mom’s died, most people I talk to, it does the same thing.  My friend Angela at work told me about this website www.folica.com and it has awesome deals on hair products.  Her hair dresser used a brand called BaByliss pro titanium.  No ceremic plates, dial settings for heat, etc.  4 YEAR WARRANTY!  I ordered one today.  I tried it today b/c she brought it in, let me just say…amazing and half the time.  The CHI does not compare to this!  I can’t wait to get it in and see it in more action!  LOL.  Take a looksy:

Well I can’t get it to post on this computer.  Folica.com and look up BaByliss.  Think more before you buy!

One week countdown

The 6 week transition period is almost over.  Next Monday, Joey will finally be here (and so will Molly).  I’ve missed him a lot and am very fortunate to have been able to come down sooner, get settled, and take care of some things before he gets here. 

My job is going well, 6 weeks in next week already.  I’m settled, gotten into a groove and now won’t feel so bad helping him with what he needs. 

I’ve taken care of registering my car and getting plates and such.  One less thing to do when he is here.  He will take care of the truck on his own and we will go get drivers licenses together. 

Next on the agenda after that will be for him to find a job and for us to save up to find a place to live.  We are very fortunate that we have a place to stay during this move.  It’s amazing how much you save to move and take care of things and how fast that can deplete! 

The journey to Texas will be much more fun with the love of your life by your side and not just across a wire.  I can’t wait!

More traveling pics

Finally into New Mexico…

Random dust storms that happen there.  THere are even signs warning you of them.  LOL

First signs of Texas…

Beautiful texas sunrise.  Cool wind farm.  At this point I was getting tired and stopped all the pic taking.  I actually pulled over to rest my eyes one hour from home.  But I made it and that was a little pic story.

Traveling pics

Looking out and saying goodbye.

 

Last large mountains, then came the 2 1/2 hour pileup! 

Carmen trying to get a better look at what was going on. 

 

It got a little hot while sitting around in the car that long. 

 

 

Still had not left AZ, storm approaching.  It was so bad I had to pull over!  I could not see a foot in front of me. 

So you know I wasn’t lying…see how bad it was? 

Don’t worry kitty, I’ll save you!