If the suitcase fits....

Southwest US Roadtrip

2010-10-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

Where can I begin! I drove to LA from Dallas in 3 days, picked up Tanya and took my time driving back home and saw many of the sites in the southwest US.~

Went to LA, drove up 1 to Carmel and Montery, then to Yosimite then to Lake Tahoe, Reno, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Albuqurque, Santa Fe, Roswell and then to Dallas/Fort Worth. As always it was good to be home.

Overall weather was good and had a VERY scenic trip. I still cannot believe how I was able to drive for 3 weeks sometimes 9 hours a day.

HEAT & NYC.

2010-08-20T21:56:00.000-07:00

It is SO HOT HERE! It must be the hottest part of the year. I just got back from a trip to NYC and met my friend Ashley's amazing friend there and did the tourist thing.

Saw the Statue of Liberty, saw Manhattan from the Empire State building, went to Coney Island, saw art in Soho, walked through Times Square and Wall Street.

It was hard to be away from the A/C for a week!

It was a much needed vacation and then I am getting ready to prepare myself for a HUGE roadtrip to California and then back to Texas. Wow. I have always wanted to do that and my opportunity has knocked on my door. Only a couple of weeks away, oh my!

What did I do for the past year?

2010-02-11T07:48:00.000-08:00

Lots of work as usual. Went to Greece and Turkey in September and had a good time. Enjoyed the nice weather and minimal tourists. Lots more to follow, don't worry. Happy New Year's! Got a new doggie almost 3 weeks ago! Now looking forward to a US trip with Tanya in September sometime. There is a lot of planning to start doing! Yikes! Today it snowed! It is so pretty but so scary on the roads with people who do not know how to drive in this kind of weather!

Six months later...Yikes

2009-05-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

I definitely have not been here for six months! I cannot believe how time flies!

I have been working on my house, my yard, work at work, spending time with Bryan, and more!

What I have been enjoying lately: Bicycling, Tyler roses, Texas bluebonnets, gardening (I have strawberries, carrots, lettuce, spinach, onions, garlic, basil & cilantro growing), flowers in flower baskets, the Twilight series is evil...I loved it so much I read all of the books in 4 days! I also hated it so much because it ended with some many questions unanswered. :(

I am booking my trip this year to Greece. Looking forward to late September! What to do until then!

Thanksgiving til now

2008-12-11T21:13:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving went well. I got to meet my cousin's new baby Caleb and play with her daughter Makenzie. Shared lots of pics from Boston.

Bryan and I made a Christmas tree this year. I wasn't sure how I would like it but it turned out well. Definitely not the normal tree! We had fun putting it together and getting the decorations for it.

I was glad to get Christmas lights up at my new house this past weekend. I am slowly getting all of my shopping done. My family has been terrible about helping me with ideas of what they would like for Christmas.

Weather has been driving me crazy lately. It's been near freezing and then it's tshirt weather and then its near freezing again. I wish it would make up its mind. I was feeling sick last week, thought I got enough rest and was not feeling good again this week! Went home early form work today...hopefully rest will cure me.

I am also hoping to start painting paintings again soon. I haven't painted since early summer!

Looking forward to seeing some xmas lights soon.

What have I been doing!

2008-11-17T13:25:00.001-08:00

What have I not been doing! Work, work, work as usual.

The last 6 months:

Bryan turned 30 this year on June 7th! Went out to have margaritas with Dewayne and Megan!

Found a duplex that was in desperate need of repairs but was super cheap! One of my dreams of owning a duplex and living on one side comes true! Moved out of the apartment at the end of July and moved in a somewhat work in progress. I have spent many, many months of working on the duplex.. Sanding & priming cabinets. Did all of the painting on the walls, door, kitchen cabinets, with my mom and Bryan. Finally had gotten almost all of it done last weekend. Before and after pics coming soon.

I have enjoyed riding my bike along White Rock lake and various parks with Bryan.

Went to the Fort Worth zoo during one of the hottest days of the year.

Discovered some galleries in the design district one weekend.

Went to historic downtown Grapevine, TX!

Went to Boston in October for a week and saw the sights there. New England is beautiful. Fall is the time to go! I cannot believe the amazing color on the trees. Hit Cape Cod for a day and then on to the southern coast of Maine! Gorgeous sights! I need more vacation!

Dressed up as scary creatures and scared little kids and then gave them candy on Halloween.

I cannot believe Thanksgiving is next week! The time has flown by so quickly this year.

March, April & now May!

2008-05-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

What can I say?! I've been busy. Working as usual, hanging out with Bryan, went to Austin, Easter, celebrated my Birthday and my brother's birthday and I think I finally found a bicycle! Tomorrow I'm going to pick it up from the store. Went to the Mavs playoffs on Friday and found out it was the only game they won! What a treat...I had never been to a live basketball game.

My last painting class for the semester is tomorrow. I have been very happy with the amount of fun I've had this class.

I'm also behind on my travel plans for this year. Where to go and what to do are on my mind. I just need to sit down and figure out my travel plans. What's new! Overall things have been going well. There is always too much to do!

2008!

2008-02-04T22:23:00.000-08:00

I had a good Christmas, probably one of the best and a great new year's! This Dallas weather is making me crazy; it seems like I can't remember it ever being so fickle. A week ago the temperature was below freezing and now I can almost say it's hot outside! I hear this next week will be cold again. I hope not!

Adventures with Bryan. We went to the Dallas World Aquarium 2 Sundays ago and had a good time. It was neat to see how the environment inside a building could be transformed into an open space where some of the animals roamed freely. This weekend we began my search for a bicycle. I haven't had one since I was 10!

From Halloween til now.

2007-12-17T00:27:00.000-08:00

Yikes. I am so bad at keeping up with things other than Bryan lately. I've got some crazy boy pics of course. I am happy to say I am finally putting up my 'portfolio' of pics from my Eastern Europe trip. Links coming to your email soon! A few new painting pics this semester. Trying to decide where to go on my next trip! Bryan helped me redo my office and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!

Christmas was fantastic! Probably one of the best. Looking forward to a fantastic New Year!

The last 3 months in a nutshell!

2007-10-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

July went by. I met a boy on myspace in August, gave a little girl shoes for school, went to Eastern Europe in September and still seeing the boy now! I am having the time of my life with this boy.

Rain, rain go away....

2007-07-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

I was talking to my friend Nicole today about the rain and I realized it has been raining for a couple of months now, off and on. This is REALLY weird for Dallas. I even talked to my father today and asked him if Dallas was like this back in the day and he said he couldn't ever remember getting this much rain. We've never really had to worry about flooding. I figure we are making up for all of the years of drought this year!

Updates to my life

2007-06-29T00:25:00.000-07:00

Done with two plus weeks of fighting to keep property taxes down. Whew!

Went to Fort Worth to see Mrs. Sherry, James and their baby girl Anastasia. It has been since before Christmas since I last visited!

A couple of weekends ago I went to Wimberley for this year's family reunion and then to Nicole's baby shower in Mansfield. It's so weird seeing Nicole VERY pregnant. She of all people never wanted kids...supposedly!

Other than that I have been working, working, working as usual. I really want to start taking Kung Fu. I just have to go to the place and sign up! I think I'm going to start next week.

I also got my creative bug back. I hope it sticks around for awhile. I need to get some painting done!

Hello June.

2007-06-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

It is starting to get ridiculously hot here. Yesterday was my dad's birthday and I stuffed myself silly at his potluck lunch. Work as usual has been busy. Especially since we have to fight property taxes on Friday and I have to help prepare documents for the Appraisal District. The courier has also been out this week so I have to fit part of that job into my afternoon schedule. Even though I just got back from my San Fran trip, I feel like I need another one. I am already looking forward to my Eastern Europe trip in September. I bought a new suitcase since my other one started falling apart.

March, April and now May, oh my!

2007-05-17T19:46:00.001-07:00

I can't believe the time that has gone by since I've posted! So much has gone on. Of course there's work. Been working house deals, keeping up with the website and learning all the time.

Had a nice birthday in March & studied in April for my broker's license and started walking/jogging to get in shape for my trip to San Fran!

Signed up for my next Contiki. I decided on the Eastern Road tour that goes to Berlin, Krakow, Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Warsaw. I'm spoiling myself this year with 2 vacations. Can't wait til Septemeber!!!

I went to San Francisco May 1-8 and had a great time. California is quite a place! Too bad it is so ridiculously expensive to live there!

been up to...

2007-02-25T21:21:00.000-08:00

Been busy...work mostly. But there has been some fun here and there. Got our tickets to San Fran and met up last week to collaborate on the thing we want to do while we are there. So far definitely going to check out the city for a few days, head to Berkley and then hit wine country (Napa and Sonoma Valleys).

Beautiful weather lately...what's going on? It was freezing not too long ago! I've been enjoying the warm sun and gentle breezes for the past week.

Had coffee with Mella on Monday and met up with her friends for Fat Tuesday and many beers.

Exhausted by the end of the week but made it to painting class and started a couple of new paintings...one a landscape of Greece thanks to my parents' awesome pics and a new abstract one which I am really digging. No pics just yet! Yesterday the strangest thing happened...the sky turned brown and the sun reflected neon blue off of everything. I was scared to drive home on the highways the wind was so bad...a first for Dallas. Very strange.

Took a walk around one of the older neighborhoods off Greenville with Ashley today and bought lemonade from a kid selling lemonade on the street! I never thought I would see something like that. I think that's what really made my day.

Hello February!

2007-02-01T22:30:00.000-08:00

The month of Januray went by so quickly! I started my painting class again 2 Saturdays ago. I'm making my office into my own slowly but surely. Heard from and had lunch with Nicole who's having a baby in July! Went to Denton to check out art supplies and hang out with Christos. Working on the company website like a madwoman. I have been busy!

Still planning on the trip to San Francisco in May. I griped at Ashley today about getting her plane ticket before its too late. Saturday is the day we will get our tickets! Then there's no turning back...wah ha ha! Excitement.

Fabulous weekend

2007-01-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

Despite the freezing cold and warnings of possible freezing rain, I have had a fun-filled weekend!

Yesterday I went with Erin, Jocelyn and Steven to the Bodyworlds exhibit. Ashley flaked out on us because of worries of bad weather. It wasn't that bad. Erin surprised me ealier in the day with Red Hot Chili Peppers tickets, WHOO HOO! They played last night and it was such a good show. Good times.

Finally started working in the Richardson office. It is so weird to have my own office. I have much to do with it. Once I get some things on the wall, it won't look too scary. A lot of good things going on.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T22:37:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to the New Year! New Year's Eve was a lot of fun. Took it relatively low key in comparision to NYC last year. Celebrating Miss J's birthday and the New Year in one night. We stayed in for dinner and drinks then headed out the the 'Gay-tto' for after midnight dancing. Danced my ass off and had a great time.

Things I want to accomplish this year:

Travel overseas again. Visit San Francisco. Take Kung Fu. Start jogging on a regular basis again. Take trips around Texas at least a few times this year. Visit art galleries and museums more often. See the Bodyworlds exhibit. See the musical 'Wicked'. I think that pretty much sums it up.

Hopefully, I will be able to get up tomorrow. There is so much to do!

Made it through Christmas

2006-12-26T22:56:00.000-08:00

Headed to Grandma's house for a few days of relatives and relaxation. The time seemed to fly by the past three days. I am not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow. At least it will be a short week. I need to get some sleep.

Latest Painting

2006-12-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

My Latest painting that I haven't taken a pic until now is still unfinished but close. I have a ton of painting still left to do for my xmas gifts so I don't think anyone will get them until after the new year. Stress of current job duties, expectations of new job duties and holidays are really anoying. I cannot wait until the weekend! I have had a ton on my mind. Had a nice relaxing bath with some goodies I got from the xmas party today. Getting off work tomorrow at noon so I can't complain about my weekend break too much!

Ah, so long!

2006-12-18T00:02:00.000-08:00

Ah, it has been so long since I have posted! A LOT has been going on. Holiday shopping...more now than I have done all year probably, stress about new part of job coming up in January and excitement, and seeing friends in Fort Worth. Signed up for painting class again in the spring semester. I'm going to miss my Saturday classes for the next month. Haven't really gone out much lately because I haven't really felt like it. I need to start my holiday painting, I am really behind.

Art Con 2

2006-12-04T23:05:00.000-08:00

Thursday, it froze outside. I was tempted to head over to the Longhorn Ballroom to start my painting, but I thought better of it. On the news there were cars sliding all over the highways. Grr, I hate driving in ice and freezing rain. So I headed to Home Depot and bought plywood to start on my piece that night. Luckily on Friday morning they were still accepting pieces. Friday night, I volunteered for the much awaited Art Conspiracy 2 hosted at the historic Longhorn Ballroom. I got the job as an art handler. I took money from people who bought the auctioned work. There were so many interesting pieces but none blew me away. Overall, it was a good time. I think the highest sold work was $660!

Despite nasty congestion from earlier last week, I am feeling better. I like the cold like a cat likes water.

I survived!

2006-11-28T21:47:00.000-08:00

I had jury duty today and was really dreading it. Although I had to wait half of the day away in the court building, I was fortunate to not have to be a juror. I was dismissed at 11:00! Woo hoo!

I was somewhat miserable from what I think is a sinus infection this morning, so I came home and slept and skipped out on work for the rest of the day. It was for the best. I utilized my time and got my car cleaned while the weather was still nice. I hear the weather reports saying its going to get substantially cold in the next two days.

My Venice painting is coming along slowly but I am pleased with how it is going. I can't believe I have to turn in a painting in the next couple of days for the student show. Ah! I am not ready!

Ah, I almost forgot. Rebecca's birthday was crazy fun on Saturday. We went to dinner at a place called, "Holy Frijoles," which had pretty decent Mexican food and then went out on the town and drank too much. I was not a happy camper the next day.

Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T19:58:00.000-08:00

Today my grandmother's sister, Aunt Neva, past away. It was so sad. I tried my best not to feel sad since I was in such good company. The funeral is Saturday afternoon. I am not looking forward to it.
Happier things... I roamed around the neighborhood with my little cousins, DR and Laura, and my brother Ben. I took pictures of the changing leaves and random things I found along our way.

All's good

2006-11-22T16:44:00.000-08:00

Been busy as usual. Worked on a few house offers. Got off early from work today and got myself to start exercising again. I cannot believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Going to Grandma's tomorrow and eating excessively. The holidays have crept up on me.

Travel thoughts

2006-11-20T21:32:00.000-08:00

I'm ready to start traveling again! Whether it be eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Spain & Portugal or Australia & New Zealand. I'm ready...I've just got to find the right tour so I can be prepared for the Spring! I think the Travel Channel is my new best friend.

Besides being travel excited, I've been painting more than usual lately. I'm thinking small paintings as Christmas presents. I have A LOT to paint. Wee hoo!

Err, cold weather

2006-11-16T22:53:00.000-08:00

Just the other day I was fine in a T-shirt and jeans. Now I am wearing a hooded sweatshirt over a t-shirt and I am still cold. Texas weather is insane.

I am kept busy at the office. There seems to be a neverending pile of work to do. I'm glad tomorrow is Friday. I really value my time away from constant business. There always seems like there is never enough time.

Already I am thinking about my next vacation. I have to decide where to go and which tour company to take. I am leaning toward eastern Europe, Scandinavia or Spain/Portugal. We shall see...I'm thinking April or May time.

The art show, Art Conspiracy, is coming up quickly. Nov. 30 we create our art and Dec.1 is the show! I can't wait to help out. I volunteered last year and am volunteering again this year.

I am so sleepy. I just can't stay up anymore.

It's getting cold outside.

2006-11-12T13:31:00.000-08:00

Playing catch up here. Overall, had the talk with Jocelyn the following week. I definitely will not set anything in stone with her. Apparently from converstaion with Matt and Erin, she has being doing this fequently.

Went to the museum with Miss Ashley & Steven last Sunday and saw the Van Gogh exhibit, Sheaves of Wheat. I think I have seen more Van Gogh paintings that any other artist now. While in downtown Dallas, I acted the part of tourist and took a few pics.

Business wise, things have been good. I submitted a lot of city problems to the City of Dallas people at our monthly meeting. They can't say I just complain. I do my part every month! I also met some bankers that's to Dad at a cocktail party on Thursday. Wow, I feel so adult now. I saw Ebby Halliday, a famous Broker in Dallas Real Estate. She was a cute little 90 year old lady smaller than my mom.

Recent art inspirations have been birds on telephone wires. I want to take more pictures of them.

I went to painting class this Saturday for our first critique. I felt like my paintings were still all unfinished. Seeing other people's work was motivating.

I had a good time last night. Went to a gallery opening with Miss Ashley, Steven & Jenna for a professor from Brookhaven Community college. Had my first Hot Tottie...it's like tainted limonade. We headed to see the midnight showing of Pee Wees Big Adventures. I felt like I was getting old. I started yawning during the beginning of the movie. I am not used to staying up that late anymore.

2006-10-29T22:29:00.000-08:00

2006-10-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

2006-10-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

Back in Dallas doing my thing

2006-10-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

Being back in Dallas wasn't as intimidating as I thought it would be. I took a day off from work after getting back. It was a must! Tied loose ends, etc.

Work has never been boring. We got a new phone system, tenant screening service and I started creating the company website today.

I definitely missed Saturday painting classes. Since getting back, I have already started two new paintings.

It should be interesting to see how these turn out.

~

I'm really looking forward to Art Conspiracy, www.artconspiracy.org, a local art show promoting local art and live music, and which will benefit the La Reunion, the art ist residency program. This would definitely be a first in Dallas. Apparentley, it will be the second program of its kind in Texas!
Art is not promoted
enough here.

I painted & volunteered for the event last year and can't wait to do it again!

Uh oh, I have a blog!

2006-10-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

I have been sucked into the world of the blog. Oh, my!

More to come....