Friday, April 28, 2006

I have a Big Head


Bev-me
Originally uploaded by Gem-Em.
(And I don't mean I'm conceited)

Look at this! Although Beverly is taller than me, my head is MUCH bigger! I never realized this until I saw this picture. I wish I could say I'm closer to the camera and that caused the distortion, but as you can see, our shoulders are even.

I knew my face was ROUND but geez!

I get this from my dad. He has a big head. My mom has a pea-head. Maybe Beverly takes after her namesake.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

New Beginnings

I mentioned in a previous post (A Fresh Start) that I'm moving soon. Although I have loved the little house in Valley Ranch, my parents have decided to sell it, and I've decided not to buy it. (Many factors involved in each of these decisions, but there are no hard feelings.)

While I was searching for a new place to lay my head, Steve asked me to move in with him. He has a large house in Trophy Club, a suburb west of the airport. We debated it for several weeks and came to an agreement that this is something we both want. He's the most wonderful man I've ever known, and I love spending time with him. Whether we are doing something or nothing, just being with Steve makes it more fun.

The house is being renovated by its current owners -- Steve and I have put in a few weekends already painting, resurfacing the ceilings and generally cleaning up. Our next projects include new carpet, new tile and an overhaul of the kitchen. It's exciting to plan and work on it together, and we both can envision the house's potential.

I planted a vegetable garden at "our" house last weekend, and it's my most ambitious yet: tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, carrots, peas, zucchini squash, basil and sage. I'm going to have to expand the garden already, because I also have oregano, strawberries and mint to plant!

Monday, April 24, 2006

It's all Relative


Brooks Reunion-Apr06 035
Originally uploaded by Gem-Em.
This weekend, I joined the rest of my family for a reunion in Waco, TX. This was my mother's side of the family. It was a lovely weekend for it: warm enough for the kids to swim in my uncle Joe's pool, but not so hot that it was sweltering.

The youngest are Paige and Graham at 2 years and 10 months; the oldest is Sudie at 91. The rest of us are in the middle.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Feeding Frenzy



Originally uploaded by monnarchj.
I found this photo entitled "Dinnertime" on Flickr.com. Oh my! I was so impressed with my sisters when they breastfed, especially Steph having the twins. It's such a commitment. But look at this poor feline mama! The expression on her face says it all.

Don't You Hate it When...

...at the end of the day, you look in the mirror and see you have food in your teeth and you haven't eaten since lunch.

...you sit down to a business meeting, cross your legs and notice your zipper is down. Then you try to figure out a way to subtlely zip it up without anyone noticing.

...you spend extra time on your hair to make it look nice and the humidity outside makes it all fall anyway.

...it rains in Dallas and all the traffic lights don't work. (It's just rain -- Portland and Seattle must know something we don't.) And don't even get me started on the drivers.

...your fat jeans become your everyday jeans.

Others?

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

A Fresh Start

I needed a new blog template. What do you think? (I think my sister Jenn will like that I picked a green one!)

I've been making quite a few changes in my life lately. After a grueling 9 months, I finally got relieved of my duties on a particular project at work. I'm now actually enjoying my work again and my coworkers have noted that I'm smiling more!

I also changed hairdressers. After going to the same guy for 10 years, I decided to make a change after he stood me up and wasn't truly apologetic. It's tough, because I know he needs the work, but as a paying customer, I deserve better.

I'm moving soon. More on that later.

I'm thinking about changing massage therapists, too. Similar to the hairdresser, I've been seeing my masseuse for 11 years. I've referred several friends to her and often given her gift certificates to other friends. For the past couple years, I've been seeing her once a month or so, but lately it seems she's more aggressive about me coming in or buying various products. It seems it's all about the money.

I realize this is her business, but when I originally met her, I felt she was a very soulful person. Maybe it's because massage is a personal service -- someone is rubbing your body -- but I need to feel safe. Feeling pressured to buy! buy! buy! doesn't help me relax.

Plus, I found a new masseuse! She's closer to me, cheaper and stronger. It's just hard trying to figure out what to say to the one I've been seeing. Breaking up is never easy!

Monday, April 17, 2006

A Happy Easter Weekend


Happy Easter! Posted by Picasa

Steve and I visited Steph, Al, Paige & Graham for Easter weekend. We had a ball Easter egg hunting, swimming, lots of great food and lots of giggles.


Hello, Easter Bunny Posted by Picasa

On Easter morning, Graham got creative with his loot. We were all tickled.


StickerMan Posted by Picasa

Unfortunately, he had to take them off before church. He protested, "No...I want to be funny!"

Friday, April 14, 2006

The Wrath of God

Last night I had dinner with my gay-boyfriend Daniel. It's his birthday today, and he's 22! So much of life ahead of him. He's such a sweetheart and a really great friend.

He's been struggling with his religion (Christianity) and his sexuality. He has been going to a church regularly and finally talked to the pastor. This pastor actually told him if he continues to lead a gay lifestyle, he will get AIDS as his punishment from God.

I wholeheartedly, vehemently disagree with this! And how awful that this minister is spreading this nonsense!

According to this theory, you could say that people who get cancer are being punished for some sin. Even children get cancer. Guess they should have been better behaved.

What about the Christian idea that we are ALL sinners? I guess everyone of us is just a moment away from a deadly disease. I know I've made some huge mistakes in my life. What does that deserve?

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Ready to Run

The gauntlet has been thrown down. The date has been set. Now I just have to get my butt in shape!

My sister Jennifer has challenged me to join her in participating in the Danskin Women's Triathlon in June. After last year's adventure races, this is taking it to the next level. I've never done a triathlon, but completing the adventure races last year gave me some confidence.

My biggest weakness is running, followed by biking. I'm not concerned about the swimming, which is only 1/2 mile. The run is 3.1 mile (5K), and the bike portion is 12 miles in the hilly roads around Austin. BIG hills. [gulp!]

I took Jenn's advice and rode my bike down to a local middle school where they have a nice track. I turned on my iPod as I started to jog, deciding on Dixie Chicks. The first song up was "Ready to Run." I chuckled to myself, how appropriate!

I jogged one lap, then walked 1/2 and jogged 1/2 for two laps. By then, I was toast. But I still had to ride home.

I took a route that included a fairly good hill. At least biking and jogging use slightly different muscles!

By the time I got home, my face was so red, it bordered on purple. Exercise is definitely not good for my rosacea. But the rest of me felt pretty good.

Monday, April 10, 2006

Remember how fun it was to be a kid?

When we were in Austin for Anna's birthday weekend, Steve, Jenn and I took the kids to the park. We had fun, although it was steamy hot.


Anna looks delighted Posted by Picasa


Colin, with Henley waiting her turn behind. Posted by Picasa


I took a turn on the slide with Anna Posted by Picasa


It looked like so much fun, Steve had to try it too! Posted by Picasa


Helping the little monkeys climb Posted by Picasa


Jenn gives Colin a boost Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Yee-Haw!

A good time was had by all at Anna's 5th birthday celebration for Cowboys and Cowgirls. I put on my "yee-haw doo-dah" clothes, and Steve and I helped with the pony rides.


Anna and me at the Cowboy/Cowgirl party Posted by Picasa

Steve meeting my folks seemed to go well, too, although I wasn't too worried. He's such a great guy.

Here, Steve holds Lyra's hands on the horn of the saddle as they walk along. Posted by Picasa