About a year ago I decided to make a bucket list. I came up with this idea after watching the movie The Bucket List and after watching the MTV show "The Buried Life." A few of the items on my bucket list I've accomplished already such as learning how to drive a stick shift, or finishing my doctorate degree. One of the items on my bucket list is running a marathon, all 26.2 miles of it. For those that don't know I was a pretty good distance runner in high school. I lettered in cross country my junior year along with running several 5K's. I planned on someday running a marathon.
So, I've decided to run my first marathon. Given the length of time recommended (18 weeks) to train for a marathon I decided on the Gusher Marathon on March 9, 2013 in Beaumont, TX. I went for a run yesterday and I have several more planned this week as I formally start my training next Monday. I'm really excited about this prospect. I've missed running in races and this would definitely be the longest distance I've ever run at one time! The Gusher is 143 days away. I can't wait!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Our Trip to California
David and I took a trip to California back in May of this year. We both have been to California before but never at the same time. David used to visit frequently when he was younger (seeing family and close friends) and I had only been once on a mission trip. Originally we had planned to go to Big Bend, TX but then realized this would be quite a drive in a car and the places that were available to stay (that were affordable) didn't have air conditioning during the summer... YIKES! As we were still contemplating about where we would go our good friend Roberto called to chat and mentioned that we still needed to come out and visit. Well one thing lead to another and before we knew it we had booked plane tickets to Cali!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012:
When we arrived we rented a car for a few days to explore around L.A. From the airport we decided to go visit the Santa Monica Pier. What I didn't realize was how old the pier was; surprised it had not been updated or renovated. Regardless, the beach was wonderful! We got a chance to walk around and see all of the shops and restaurants.
After walking around for awhile we worked up an appetite and began to feeling hungry and talked about where we wanted to eat. *side note* Prior to the trip I had mentioned about going to eat at Rosco's House of Chicken and Waffles, the first time I heard about this place was from the movie "Rush Hour" and David looked at me and said "What? I don't believe you and I have never heard of this place" and for those of you who have seen the movie you know I would be correct. So, we decided to go there for an early lunch and my friends let me tell you..... that was the BEST decision ever!
After our small excursion around L.A. we headed to our resting place. We spent the first few days in a Bed and Breakfast in Pasadena called "The Bissell House". It has become a historical landmark; untouched and in it's original condition and it's down the street from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. Pasadena is quite a lovely town in the sense of having a small town feel but has everything you need and then some. Later that evening we went over to our friend Roberto's house to visit him and his brother Saymon. Roberto has been David's friend for many years and prior to David and I getting married I began a very special bond with Roberto. You see while I was in school (getting my social work degree) Roberto was too and we "clicked" pretty much from the time we said "hello". We hadn't seen Roberto for a few years and the encounter was sadly for only a few hours. So needless to say it was a joy visit and catch up with him and his family. To make things even better, we had the pleasure of being able to see our other friend, Josh that just so happened to be in town at the same time. We met up with Josh and his mom for dinner at "In and Out" around the corner. We sat down to eat and mind you I am with 3 other guys whom had 2 double patty burgers and fries and after finishing my "double double" and side of fries Josh says to me "Aren't you still hungry"? I laughed and responded "Are you kidding me? I'm stuffed!" After dinner and great conversation we all got the munchies and wanted dessert so we walked a few blocks down the street to "VONS" aka Tom Thumb/Randall's for us Texans. We got our dessert, headed back to the house and continued in great conversation. By this time it is about 11pm Cali/1am Texas time and for those of you who know David pretty well.... guess what's happened at about this time? HE STARTED FALLING ASLEEP! As for me, well I get my energy from being around other people so I was WIDE AWAKE!
Thursday, May 24, 2012:
The next morning we got up and had our first breakfast experience at the B and B. With us being in California they are more self-aware of eating healthy (which I'm not opposed to) but informed us that everything they serve would be "vegetarian friendly". I wasn't sure what to expect but the chef there was VERY GOOD! We had an artichoke, cheese, and egg breakfast quiche with homemade biscuits and yogurt with fresh berries. Later that morning we headed to Burbank to see "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and the best part about it the tickets were FREE!!! We weren't sure how early people would be arriving to start lining up so we got there around noon with lunch in hand and well..... (click on video below)
Wednesday, May 23, 2012:
When we arrived we rented a car for a few days to explore around L.A. From the airport we decided to go visit the Santa Monica Pier. What I didn't realize was how old the pier was; surprised it had not been updated or renovated. Regardless, the beach was wonderful! We got a chance to walk around and see all of the shops and restaurants.
After walking around for awhile we worked up an appetite and began to feeling hungry and talked about where we wanted to eat. *side note* Prior to the trip I had mentioned about going to eat at Rosco's House of Chicken and Waffles, the first time I heard about this place was from the movie "Rush Hour" and David looked at me and said "What? I don't believe you and I have never heard of this place" and for those of you who have seen the movie you know I would be correct. So, we decided to go there for an early lunch and my friends let me tell you..... that was the BEST decision ever!
I don't know if we were just down right hungry or if this chicken and waffles were just flat out AMAZING (probably a little of both) but David and I devoured our food as soon as it hit the table. After our tummies were happy and full, David wanted to go see the La Brea Tar Pits and kept referencing "Last Action Hero" and "Arnold" prior to our visit. Of course it did smell but was kind of neat to look at and not to mention the different exhibits they had looked like a lot of fun; many kids were there on school field trips.
Thursday, May 24, 2012:
We had such a good time and enjoyed seeing Jay live on set and got to experience what filming a live audience is like. We met up with a couple for dinner that evening (David knew from church in Waco) and enjoyed visiting with them. We ate at a BBQ restaurant and let me tell you there is a stark comparison as to what California considers to be BBQ vs. what Texans do... have to say that Texans/the south knows how to do BBQ right!!
After dinner we went across the street for dessert at an old fashion pharmacy called Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain. I had researched it before we left online and sounded like a neat place to go and my suspicions were correct! The pharmacy had a variety of medicine available and other medical items you could purchase, it even had full size medical bed in there! They also had a collage of antique items of stethoscopes, vintage doctor bags, syringes, and other medical devices behind a glass covering (for display only) that were very interesting to look at and see how we have come such a long way on technology and medicine. On the other side of the pharmacy was the Soda Shoppe where you could order food along with different drinks and desserts. David and I decided to order a banana split and this young kid looked at us like we were crazy and responded "that dish will feed 4-5 people easily". David and I both looked at each other and asked if we could get half of an order and he replied "yes" but his look indicated that we were nuts and still wouldn't be able to finish it.
Friday was a really nice, lazy day. We slept in, had brunch, and meandered around L.A, Hollywood Boulevard and Beverly Hills to be more specific. We walked around Grauman's Chinese Theatre to see all the celebrities hand and foot prints where I found one of my favorite actors... Robin Williams (we share the same birthday) so that was a neat moment for me :-)
Later on that afternoon we met up with our friend Roberto whom had talked us in to coming to visit! A place that both David and were very interested in seeing while in Cali was the Griffith Observatory and Museum. This is also a place that Roberto likes to come to as well so it was a definite "win win" situation. By the time we got there it was early evening and there were A LOT of people there not to mention the weather was beautiful! We went to a showing that talked about the history of stars and I have to admit at one point I thought I was watching a movie on this big dome ceiling. The storyteller was amazing and the images displayed during the show were stellar! It was very fun and educational at the same time! After the show we went to stand in line to view the moon through one of the largest telescopes I have ever seen in my life. It was pretty cool to see the craters in the moon and just thinking about how God is so amazing to have created such an amazing universe!
By the time we had finished at the museum it was dinner time and I wanted to make the "boys" dinner; they don't get a home cooked meal from a girl that often. So we stopped by the store and picked up items for dinner and prepared my family's version of Sweet and Sour Chicken. I could be remembering wrong but I am pretty sure they liked it because there was none left and I purposely made more since there were 3 guys eating. For dessert I made some delicious strawberry shortcakes which were devoured by all; I was delighted to make dinner for such great friends. We had great fellowship for the remainder of the evening and then got some shut eye for our busy day tomorrow.
Saturday, May 26th, 2012:
Ever since David and I have known each other he would talk about how much he LOVES roller coasters. Ever since we started dating all he has talked about "this ride" at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California and that one day I would have to ride it. Well that day finally came..... yes I succumbed to my husband's request! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy riding roller coasters but not like my husband does; he buys videos from a guy who travels around the world to ride different roller coasters just to watch! I get the adrenaline rush of riding but the whole movie watching thing is a little much for me. So Roberto, Saymon, Josh, David and myself headed to Six Flags Magic Mountain that morning and we devised a game plan to get in the major rides to go on while we were there. We bought a "flash pass" which is pretty awesome, it cuts down time on rides where you can reserve spots in lines while riding another. When we got to "the ride" David gave me this look like... "Are you ready"? He looked like a kid in a candy store, he was SO EXCITED to ride but more excited that I was finally going on his favorite coaster. The ride we were about to get on is called "X2" and I will be honest and say that after I got on and experienced this ride I now understand why David has gone on and on about it. It was absolutely AMAZING and what a rush!!! I have put a link below for your viewing pleasure to see what this ride actually does because it is too complicated to describe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcql2n1M6TI
We had a wonderful time at Six Flags that day and to make a great end to the day, we picked up pizza and went back to Josh's place and watched "Despicable Me". I have to say this was one of my favorite parts of the trip because Josh was the only one who had not seen this movie. I think I had more fun watching Josh's reactions to this movie than actually watching the movie. It was a great way to end an memorable day!
Sunday, May 27th, 2012:
We woke up and had to say our goodbyes, it was time to head back home. Unfortunately, we had to end our wonderful trip and go back to every day life in Texas. David and were so blessed to take time off and visit such an amazing group of friends on our mini vacation. When we make our next trip to California (which won't be for some time), we plan on going more north and visiting San Francisco, Napa Valley/Wine Country, Thomas Keller's The French Laundry, and Yosemite National Park.
After dinner we went across the street for dessert at an old fashion pharmacy called Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain. I had researched it before we left online and sounded like a neat place to go and my suspicions were correct! The pharmacy had a variety of medicine available and other medical items you could purchase, it even had full size medical bed in there! They also had a collage of antique items of stethoscopes, vintage doctor bags, syringes, and other medical devices behind a glass covering (for display only) that were very interesting to look at and see how we have come such a long way on technology and medicine. On the other side of the pharmacy was the Soda Shoppe where you could order food along with different drinks and desserts. David and I decided to order a banana split and this young kid looked at us like we were crazy and responded "that dish will feed 4-5 people easily". David and I both looked at each other and asked if we could get half of an order and he replied "yes" but his look indicated that we were nuts and still wouldn't be able to finish it.
This picture doesn't quite do it justice in regards to the size of how BIG it was! David and I did our best to consume the deliciousness but it became inevitable that we would not be able to finish it all. When we got back to our room I suddenly realized I had stuffed myself to the brim and ended up having a stomach ache and burping for an our or so... lesson learned! We were so tired from our busy day that we laid in bed all evening and watched t.v until we fell asleep.
Friday, May 25th, 2012:
Friday was a really nice, lazy day. We slept in, had brunch, and meandered around L.A, Hollywood Boulevard and Beverly Hills to be more specific. We walked around Grauman's Chinese Theatre to see all the celebrities hand and foot prints where I found one of my favorite actors... Robin Williams (we share the same birthday) so that was a neat moment for me :-)
Later on that afternoon we met up with our friend Roberto whom had talked us in to coming to visit! A place that both David and were very interested in seeing while in Cali was the Griffith Observatory and Museum. This is also a place that Roberto likes to come to as well so it was a definite "win win" situation. By the time we got there it was early evening and there were A LOT of people there not to mention the weather was beautiful! We went to a showing that talked about the history of stars and I have to admit at one point I thought I was watching a movie on this big dome ceiling. The storyteller was amazing and the images displayed during the show were stellar! It was very fun and educational at the same time! After the show we went to stand in line to view the moon through one of the largest telescopes I have ever seen in my life. It was pretty cool to see the craters in the moon and just thinking about how God is so amazing to have created such an amazing universe!
By the time we had finished at the museum it was dinner time and I wanted to make the "boys" dinner; they don't get a home cooked meal from a girl that often. So we stopped by the store and picked up items for dinner and prepared my family's version of Sweet and Sour Chicken. I could be remembering wrong but I am pretty sure they liked it because there was none left and I purposely made more since there were 3 guys eating. For dessert I made some delicious strawberry shortcakes which were devoured by all; I was delighted to make dinner for such great friends. We had great fellowship for the remainder of the evening and then got some shut eye for our busy day tomorrow.
Saturday, May 26th, 2012:
Ever since David and I have known each other he would talk about how much he LOVES roller coasters. Ever since we started dating all he has talked about "this ride" at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California and that one day I would have to ride it. Well that day finally came..... yes I succumbed to my husband's request! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy riding roller coasters but not like my husband does; he buys videos from a guy who travels around the world to ride different roller coasters just to watch! I get the adrenaline rush of riding but the whole movie watching thing is a little much for me. So Roberto, Saymon, Josh, David and myself headed to Six Flags Magic Mountain that morning and we devised a game plan to get in the major rides to go on while we were there. We bought a "flash pass" which is pretty awesome, it cuts down time on rides where you can reserve spots in lines while riding another. When we got to "the ride" David gave me this look like... "Are you ready"? He looked like a kid in a candy store, he was SO EXCITED to ride but more excited that I was finally going on his favorite coaster. The ride we were about to get on is called "X2" and I will be honest and say that after I got on and experienced this ride I now understand why David has gone on and on about it. It was absolutely AMAZING and what a rush!!! I have put a link below for your viewing pleasure to see what this ride actually does because it is too complicated to describe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcql2n1M6TI
 |
| Us tired at the end of a great day at Six Flags Magic Mountain |
We had a wonderful time at Six Flags that day and to make a great end to the day, we picked up pizza and went back to Josh's place and watched "Despicable Me". I have to say this was one of my favorite parts of the trip because Josh was the only one who had not seen this movie. I think I had more fun watching Josh's reactions to this movie than actually watching the movie. It was a great way to end an memorable day!
Sunday, May 27th, 2012:
We woke up and had to say our goodbyes, it was time to head back home. Unfortunately, we had to end our wonderful trip and go back to every day life in Texas. David and were so blessed to take time off and visit such an amazing group of friends on our mini vacation. When we make our next trip to California (which won't be for some time), we plan on going more north and visiting San Francisco, Napa Valley/Wine Country, Thomas Keller's The French Laundry, and Yosemite National Park.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Slackers...... yes we are!
So it has been quite some time since we have posted anything on our blog, since January of 2011 to be exact. Needless to say we have been quite busy and blogging has not been a huge priority but we are getting back on the band wagon now.
So quickly, I will catch you up to speed to what has been going on with us for the past year or so.
David and I move back to the DFW area and David had an externship with Dallas VA (1 yr term) and I got a job working for the Dallas Housing Authority as a Case Manager in the Family Self Sufficiency Program. David and I enjoyed our time at both employers but God had other plans for both of us around May 2012. David graduated from Lamar with his Doctorate in Audiology and upon graduating there were no positions open at the VA to stay on. However, he had nailed an interview with a private practice in Midlothian, TX and gained employment prior to graduation and began working in May 2012. While I was working for the Dallas Housing Authority I decided to bring in a little extra money and opened up my own baking business called "Eve's Sweets and Treats". I had a lot of fun last Christmas in making goodies for family, friends, and co-workers and received a lot of orders and great feedback. During the Christmas holiday I was approached by my supervisor and was asked if I would like to do some contract work with her, she has her own foster care agency. I was surprised and happy at the same time, I had never thought about working for a foster care agency but have always been partial to fostering. So of course I said yes and over time the agency slowly began to grow and in May of 2012 I left Dallas Housing Authority and went full time with the foster care agency.
During May 2012 David and I were both in transition from one job to another so we decided to take 2 week vacation before starting our new jobs. We originally had planned to visit Big Bend in TX but then realized it would be extremely HOT not to mention this was going to be our "Baby Moon" trip. As we were deliberating on where we would go we got a phone call from a dear friend in Cali and upon talking he half joked about us coming out there to visit. After the convo we called him back and said we would take him up on his offer. A few weeks later we traveled on our jet plane and headed out to L.A. (will have another post about our trip along with photos).
After the trip, David and I began working at our new jobs and life was pretty good. However as time went on David and I became apprehensive about his new job, it was turning into more of a sales job for hearing aides rather than a helping profession for hearing. David became very nervous and began losing sleep about his job; felt like if he did the slightest thing wrong he could lose his job at a moment's notice. My gut feeling was that he should start looking at other possibilities for jobs but David had the "go-getter" attitude and wanted to stick it out. I admire this about him but sometimes it can be much of a let down; David is an idealist and I'm a realist- enough said :).
So just a few weeks ago.... David was let go of his job. It wasn't that big of a surprise to us and it became more of a mixed blessing than anything; his boss really did him a favor in letting him go. But do not be dismayed because God is AMAZING... the day after he lost his job he immediately called the Dallas VA about a possible position, applied for a position that was closed, sent in documents, filled out interview questions, and was chosen for the position within 2 weeks time!!!!!!! We are so blessed and thankful, it was all in His timing and as always His timing is perfect. David is still waiting on a start date but we are hoping he will begin sometime in late October.
My sister will be getting married in a few short weeks.... EEKKK!!! :D So I have been helping with last minute decisions, decor ideas, and so on which has been fun. I am excited for her and can't wait for Oct 28th to get here! Also, we have booked our flights for Phil/New Jersey for Thanksgiving, we missed seeing family last year so we are very excited about being a part of that this year. In addition we will be making a few stops, one to go to Carlos Bakery in Hoboken, NJ and secondly to visit David's Cousin Brian, his wife, and there new precious baby girl! So we are excited about visiting family for the Thanksgiving.
Well, this is just a short summary of what has been going on and will have more major posts of other details coming soon!
So quickly, I will catch you up to speed to what has been going on with us for the past year or so.
David and I move back to the DFW area and David had an externship with Dallas VA (1 yr term) and I got a job working for the Dallas Housing Authority as a Case Manager in the Family Self Sufficiency Program. David and I enjoyed our time at both employers but God had other plans for both of us around May 2012. David graduated from Lamar with his Doctorate in Audiology and upon graduating there were no positions open at the VA to stay on. However, he had nailed an interview with a private practice in Midlothian, TX and gained employment prior to graduation and began working in May 2012. While I was working for the Dallas Housing Authority I decided to bring in a little extra money and opened up my own baking business called "Eve's Sweets and Treats". I had a lot of fun last Christmas in making goodies for family, friends, and co-workers and received a lot of orders and great feedback. During the Christmas holiday I was approached by my supervisor and was asked if I would like to do some contract work with her, she has her own foster care agency. I was surprised and happy at the same time, I had never thought about working for a foster care agency but have always been partial to fostering. So of course I said yes and over time the agency slowly began to grow and in May of 2012 I left Dallas Housing Authority and went full time with the foster care agency.
During May 2012 David and I were both in transition from one job to another so we decided to take 2 week vacation before starting our new jobs. We originally had planned to visit Big Bend in TX but then realized it would be extremely HOT not to mention this was going to be our "Baby Moon" trip. As we were deliberating on where we would go we got a phone call from a dear friend in Cali and upon talking he half joked about us coming out there to visit. After the convo we called him back and said we would take him up on his offer. A few weeks later we traveled on our jet plane and headed out to L.A. (will have another post about our trip along with photos).
After the trip, David and I began working at our new jobs and life was pretty good. However as time went on David and I became apprehensive about his new job, it was turning into more of a sales job for hearing aides rather than a helping profession for hearing. David became very nervous and began losing sleep about his job; felt like if he did the slightest thing wrong he could lose his job at a moment's notice. My gut feeling was that he should start looking at other possibilities for jobs but David had the "go-getter" attitude and wanted to stick it out. I admire this about him but sometimes it can be much of a let down; David is an idealist and I'm a realist- enough said :).
So just a few weeks ago.... David was let go of his job. It wasn't that big of a surprise to us and it became more of a mixed blessing than anything; his boss really did him a favor in letting him go. But do not be dismayed because God is AMAZING... the day after he lost his job he immediately called the Dallas VA about a possible position, applied for a position that was closed, sent in documents, filled out interview questions, and was chosen for the position within 2 weeks time!!!!!!! We are so blessed and thankful, it was all in His timing and as always His timing is perfect. David is still waiting on a start date but we are hoping he will begin sometime in late October.
My sister will be getting married in a few short weeks.... EEKKK!!! :D So I have been helping with last minute decisions, decor ideas, and so on which has been fun. I am excited for her and can't wait for Oct 28th to get here! Also, we have booked our flights for Phil/New Jersey for Thanksgiving, we missed seeing family last year so we are very excited about being a part of that this year. In addition we will be making a few stops, one to go to Carlos Bakery in Hoboken, NJ and secondly to visit David's Cousin Brian, his wife, and there new precious baby girl! So we are excited about visiting family for the Thanksgiving.
Well, this is just a short summary of what has been going on and will have more major posts of other details coming soon!
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