Back In The Saddle

Here goes nothing...

I'm back. The election cycle is over and I am working on destressing. (Which would be a lot easier if I knew where my next paycheck was coming from...but I'm trying really hard not to break into tears about that whole situation.)

This weekend we went to the ranch for round up and shipping. It was a blast!

Diddy and I left on Thursday afternoon after enjoying lunch with O'Dub. The ride up was just like old times. He drove. I controlled the radio. It's how we remain friends.

Diddy has this fancy Sirius radio with a remote and I can go through the channels to see what else is playing without changing from the song I'm listening to. On a good day this means that we never have to go a moment without ROCKING music. On a normal day, this means that we rarely get to listen to a full song...

I will admit, I have a little bit of music ADD. I'm so afraid of missing a good song, that I'm constantly going through the stations to see what is playing. And nothing angers me more than finding a great song and clicking on that station only to hear the last line. Talk about road rage.

Either way, Sirius wasn't letting me down on Thursday. Vanilla Ice, Warren G, Tag Team, Bell Biv Devoe (I did feel a little old when I was singing, That girl is poison... and Diddy looked at me like a fruitcake and then told me he didn't know who Bell Biv Devoe was), the list goes on and on - suffice it to say that there was a dance party to end all dance parties.

Friday morning, we wake up and head to the ranch with Dirty and PapaBear. Dirty and PapaBear and some others had rode on Thursday and gathered the majority of the cattle herd, but there were a few missing and Diddy, Dirty, and I headed out on horseback to find a cow and her calf. 

It was all fun and games - we were laughing and having a good ol' time - and then we found the pair and they took off from behind the tree they were in. So Dirty and I went one way and Diddy went the other way and we were going to turn the cattle around and head for home, when the horse I was on came up with her own plan. She took off running at full speed.

Let me break for a moment to tell you that this horse comes from race horse stock. When we had a horse race at our family reunion (yes, we did that), this horse KILLED the others. It wasn't even a contest.

So, there we are running full speed after a cow and her calf and I thought I was going to die. Seriously, I have no idea how I held on. Or made her stop.

I always wanted to own a race horse, but I never wanted to be a jockey.

Either way, we all ended up back at the HQ without the cow and her calf and I wasn't getting on another horse.

We had lunch and then took off for the corrals to sort the cattle.

I learned a long time ago that sometimes I can be most helpful by staying out of the way. So gates were assigned and I didn't have one so I grabbed the camera to record the activities. 

Do you see that horse in front? With the red arrow? I hate that horse!

Papa is working his gate, always with a cigar.

 Looking north from the corrals, this is the view.

Now I'm no photographer, but that is a great picture, if I do say so myself.

It was a successful trip to the ranch. We shipped the steers to the feedlot, the heifers to H&M's house, and moved the mama cows to the east side of the ranch for the winter.

We all laughed a lot and we're looking forward to the next trip.

Miscellany Monday

{one}

Good Starbucks Karma

I went ahead and bought the coffee of the person behind me in the drive-thru at Starbucks on Friday. Nothing spectacular came from it. Until today. I was forcing Diddy to help me stuff a mailing today and told him that I would bring him coffee to entice him. So I stopped by a Starbucks and ordered both of us a coffee. The barista was chatting with me while making my drink and then she looked down and said, "Oh my, I gave you four espresso shots instead of two. I'm sorry." 

I'm certainly not sorry.

{two}

Crafts and Such'n'such

I was up in Flagstaff again at the end of last week. I stayed with Such'n'such like I often do - and we had a freaking blast! We were watching Center Stage (yes, O'Dub it is one of the greatest movies ever made! Just watch the clip below) and Such pulled out a friendship bracelet making kit. All of the sudden I was back in the summers of my high school years...

Apparently it is one of those skills you don't forget - and I'm still REAL good at it!

We also found some remnants of our IC trip to Vegas a couple of years ago.

Unfortunately, this picture was not successful in getting Ritzy to text us back.

{three}

First Round Choke Hold

Cagefighter had another fight this weekend!

You may remember that back in July he fought in Martial Combat and won. Well, he fought again on Friday, challenging a guy he previously lost to.

Watch the video - it is totally worth it!

Click here, search Ray Elbe, watch the fight vs. Ritch.

{four}
Let's Roll

Tiny Smalls was keeping the family tradition alive with his new t-shirt on Sunday.

Yeah, that kid is ADORABLE!

Where Does The Time Go?

I can't believe it has been over a week since I last posted.

I even missed Miscellany Monday and that's how I think...

I got this cartoon in my inbox this morning and it made me laugh. So I sent it over to O'Dub and he said it seemed accurate to him.

Which made me laugh again.

So I'm sharing it with you so you can get a feel for the life I'm living these days.

Work has been crazy! Early ballots go out next week so we are in hyper-voter-communication mode right now.

The Beav* is my new coworker and between the two of us I think we are spending more time on the road than a long-haul trucker.

Unfortunately it isn't together and I almost fell asleep on my way to Safford the other day. I seriously had to stop for a Rockstar and some sunflower seeds.

They worked and I made it with no major issues.

Come to think of it, I could use a nap right now.

I'll give you a brief overview of what else I've been up to and hope that I have some free time in the days to come to expand on some of the more hilarious stories.

- Dirty took a ride in the ambulance and got four stitches in her chin.

- Clay Walker came to town and Sissy and I went with a group of friends to see him. Stayed out until 3 in the morning.

- The Homerun Leaders made a disappointing showing last weekend, but I made a few trades and adjustments to my line-up, so cross your fingers for some good results this weekend.

- The good Lord willing and the crik don't rise - I'm going to be an aunt again!

- Lots of babies due to arrive in the world in the next 3-4 weeks - get ready for pictures!

Wednesday Wisdom

"Don't get so caught up in the daily grind that you never find any time to enjoy yourself."

-Fortune Cookie

O'Dub gave me that fortune out of one of his cookies a while back and it sits in the glass under my desk (I tried to take a picture, but it didn't turn out) as a reminder each day to find the joy in life.

In Other News...

A couple of weeks ago, O'Dub pointed out to me that I often say, "in other news..." when I want to change subjects.

Since that time I've started paying more attention and it turns out he was right.

(But don't tell him, I don't want it to go to his head.)

Continuing on in my random way of thinking:

I forgot to tell you all yesterday that I had a dream that I got new running shoes. Which I desperately need! In my dream I got a smoking deal on them, somehow I don't think that is going to be the case.

I am also in the market for a boxing reflex bag (as pictured below):

I tried to find one on Craig's List, to no avail.

The one pictured is about $50 at Wal-Mart, should I go ahead and get it?

I was updating my calendar today and thinking that I commit to way too many things. And just when I think I have a free day/night/weekend, it fills up. It got me thinking: Are there actually people who have free time? And is it really free time if you're filling it up with things (even if they are things you want to do?)

A Handful?

I just finished a meeting with one of my clients.

I adore this woman!

She is the reason that I am still at my job.

(Well her and the fact that I get to see O'Dub everyday.)

Either way, I was walking her out and we got on the subject of my love life (HA!) and do you know what she said?!?!

She said that she knew love was in my future, but it was going to take a pretty self-assured  man because I am a handful.

Me?

A handful? 

I don't even believe it...

:)

Miscellany Monday

{A.} Since returning from the tropics I've had an obsession with coconut. I think it is my way of trying to hold on to vacation, but thankfully, Sissy had Coconut Cream Coffeemate this morning to keep the feeling alive!

{B.} Last week I got a coconut cream Italian soda at the coffee shop and when O'Dub tasted it he said it felt like he was drinking sunscreen. 

{C.} As a "welcome back from vacation" gift, my boxing coach decided that I would start sparring last week. On Wednesday, I sparred with him and on Thursday with a woman. It didn't go as well as I would have liked.

{D.} I have a dream of spending one whole day cooking. Really doing nothing but making a bunch of recipes that are piling up in my "need to try" box. Does anyone want to take bets on whether or not that will happen in this lifetime?

{E.} Is it Friday yet? At the end of this week I will head down to Tucson for the night to partake in a little dancing and drinking with the Arizona Cattle Growers Association. I am so EXCITED!! (and I'm sure there will be at least one stop at eegee's!)

Miscellany Monday

one. I am writing this blog from the lobby of my hotel in the Bahamas!!

two. The Bahamas celebrated 37 years of independence on Saturday, July 10. I was here for the celebration, which seemed like more than a coincidence for me.

three. I have lots of plans for blog posts when I return from vacay, I'm hoping that I can deliver.

four. Daunte Culpepper is staying at our hotel. We can actually see his room from our balcony. We spoke to him from our balcony before we realized who he was. He is a very nice guy. (I would include a link to his NFL profile, but I'm in the lobby and I'm afraid he (or one of his hundreds of children) will walk by and see it on the screen.)

five. I miss my nephews more than I thought was physically possible!!

six. Today is O'Dub's birthday! If you get a chance, wish him a happy day. (He's real sad that he doesn't get to spend the day with me...)

seven. I'll be travelling most of tomorrow so it will likely be Wednesday before I post again. Cheyenne, I'll post more details of people. I promise.

A Small Town Fourth of July

As I mentioned last week, I was going to head down to Southern Arizona for the weekend of the Fourth of July.

A friend of mine lives down there with her husband and four children and it is at least ten degrees cooler than home. Plus, she had a nice gentleman that she wanted me to meet. So, I packed up my bags (you could say I over packed) and headed south on Friday after work.

A quick stop at eegee's for a strawberry/pina colada eegee and then it was down to Patagonia.

Contrary to O'Dub's belief, there is no time travel required to get there. Just about three hours and one Border Patrol checkpoint.

When I got to the house, all four children attacked me! Maybe not attack, but they followed me into my room and asked me a million questions.

I had to laugh when the younger daughter asked me, Do you have a boyfriend? When I told her that I did not, she replied, You should get one.

If only it were that easy. 

Or men were more reasonable.

We left the kids at home with her hubby and headed to the local watering hole for a few drinks and to meet the nice gentleman. It was a typical small town bar and NG was cute and funny.

On Saturday we took the kids swimming and then hung out until we had to go watch the hubby rope.

NG was supposed to meet us at the fairgrounds, but there were some timing, communication, and kid issues, so we ended up only seeing him on our way back to the house around 10 pm.

Sunday was a big day - we had to go to the parade, street fair, host a bbq, and then watch fireworks.

For some reason that I will never understand, they scheduled the parade to start at 11 am. I mentioned that it is typically at least 10 degrees cooler down south, but it was every bit of 90 degrees when the parade started and that is hot to just be sitting in the sun.

NG had to drive his work truck in the parade and the kiddos wanted to get candy, so he waved as he drove by and then came and found us when his parade route was over. 

Sidenote: O'Dub has never been to a parade where they threw candy. WHAT? I'm sad for him.

We all headed down to the street fair for some lunch and sno-cones. After about 10 minutes, NG (I'm pretty sure realizing that he was going to need some alcohol to deal with the madness) decided to run home to change out of his uniform. We took the kids to the jumping castle, got our snacks, and headed out of there before I started disciplining other people's children.

We missed NG's return and the kids needed naps so we went home to begin preparing for our BBQ later in the evening. When hubby got home, we ran to town for a few last minute supplies and a cold beer.

The BBQ was a HIT and we made some delicious food that I will post about on Airplane Food sometime next week. Although I will warn you right now that it wasn't even a little bit healthy.

NG came to the party and we enjoyed a nice conversation before we rode to the fireworks together. The fireworks show was AMAZING! I absolutely LOVE fireworks - they are in my top 10 favorite things of all time! And I was super impressed by this small town production.

After fireworks were over, we headed back to the house and NG and I chatted while the kids ran around the yard with sparklers.

It was really a great Independence Day weekend!

(And I got another eegee on the way home!!)

Miscellany Monday

(Ok, I'll play along this week...)

one. Week 3 of P90X is underway. Lord, help me make it through - I just realized that week 4 has two days of yoga. Eek!

two. The more I see my nephews, the more I miss them. For example, I just spent a better part of Saturday with them and today, my heart aches to hold them.

three. I got a pedicure this weekend, O'Dub and I are currently arguing about whether my toes are now pink or red. (I vote pink...) 

four. I am currently looking for a skirt that matches the orange snake-skin print on these new shoes. HELP!

five. My blog needs a new design and a new feel - stay tuned for a makeover soon.

six. I have some Asian short ribs in the crock pot at home and I am drooling just thinking about them!

seven. We are creeping closer to my favorite holiday of the year and I currently don't have plans for a celebration - I'm freaking out a little. 

eight. I don't have a lucky number. Should that concern me?

You May Be Right, I May Be Crazy...

Yesterday, I was talking to Diddy and I said something to the effect of, "...but I may be crazy."

He said, "Oh, you're crazy. It has been scientifically proven."

That may be a stretch - I don't think there is actual science out there...

This morning on our trip to get coffee, O'Dub said, "I like you, but you are crazy."

                                           Coincidence?

Either way, there is a lot of randomness on my mind today.

HHT is getting married tonight - you want to talk about crazy? I remember when she was just a little whipper snapper.

I want to go hiking.

I want to hike Turkey Track on our ranch.

And Half Dome at Yosemite.

And Machu Picchu in Peru.

I really have a lot of plans in life - I need to get moving.

It is apparently 24 weeks until I embark on my third Breast Cancer 3-Day - I should probably start training. Or fundraising. Or blogging.

P90X came in yesterday. I am going to spend Saturday preparing to start on Sunday. Preparations will include a meal plan and pictures. I will save the pictures until the end. I think this is going to be fun. I hope you all will help me stay on track.

And, hey, who knows...

It just may be a lunatic you're looking for.

Let Go. Let God.

If you know Match.mom at all, you know that the song that Luke Bryan is singing in the player above could have been written by her. I can not tell you the number of times that I would be worried about something and talking to her about it and she would say, "Pray about it."

Let me tell you, there are certain times in your life when you do not want to hear that.

But here I am, almost 29 years old, and I find myself saying the same thing. Often.

I delivered that very same statement to O'Dub just the other day. He, of course, looked at me like I was crazy.

Whatever.

Last night I was feeling really anxious about a couple of things.

Well, let me back up. I talked to Banana on the way to work yesterday and she shared a story with me that got me thinking about God and my conversations with him. Then she called me last night and we were talking about prayer.

So as I lay down to go to sleep, I was feeling anxious about some things, and I knew that there were a few people who had recently asked for prayer for their friends or family; so I muted the TV and talked to God for a bit. Nothing in depth, nothing long and drawn out. Just a quick conversation to say, "Hey, Lord, I need you. And so do some of my friends."

And you know what? I slept better than I have in a long time.

And I woke up feeling much more at peace.

And it reminded me of Granny B. The other day I was talking to her about how silly boys were and she said, "Oh, Airplane. Let go. Let God."

I said, "You're right."

She said, "Repeat it back to me."

That made me laugh a little, but I said it.

And the truth is, it helps me get through the days.

whyboysaredumb.com

***NOTE: I had a great post planned for this and I have forgotten a lot of the situations that I was going to post about - I'll think of them, write them down, and be back. For now, know that they are coming and I am open to submitted scenarios. Thanks!***

A while back O'Dub (formerly O'Connor - I'm in the mood to change names around these days) told me that he was going to start a website called www.whygirlsaredumb.com - to date, he has not done this.

While I am sure that we could start a blog on whyboysaredumb.com, we all know that the last thing I need is another blog - I can't keep up with the ones that I have. So, I will provide with a post of some activities of late that could have served as posts on the nonexistent blog.

I hope that this helps out some of my male readers with the ladies.

one. If you are "dating" someone and you talk to them on a semi-regular basis, and you have surgery, no matter how minor, go ahead and mention it to them. I swear, men, we like to take care of you - let us!

two. Girls are sensitive. If you do something to hurt a girl's feelings - apologize. If you really want to make a statement, buy her a small gift or flowers. But do not underestimate the power of a sincere apology. We are sensitive creatures - I know this. We just want you to acknowledge that sometimes you are insensitive and you are sorry about it. It really isn't that difficult.

Kiss Me! I'm Irish!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

I gave up alcohol for Lent, which really puts a damper on St. Patty's Day festivities. Oh well. Diddy, O'Connor, Dirty, and I have a softball game tonight as well. We'll (read they will drink, I will drive) most likely be getting some drinks before the game, so I will celebrate.

As you may or may not know, my Popie was Irish. Granny B has some pretty choice words about Irish folks, and I suspect it is because Popie drove her a little crazy sometimes. But I'm sure the feeling was mutual.

Either way, I thought of Popie this morning as I was getting ready for work. I thought about the time I made him green clover-shaped cookies when he was in the rehab facility.

Yes, the cookies were actually green - not the frosting. I didn't frost them.

I'm trying to remember if they were sugar or shortbread cookies though. Because he really liked shortbread, but I don't recall ever making shortbread in my life.

And if they were sugar, why wouldn't I have frosted them?

Who knows.

Then I was talking to Diddy on the way in and we got on the subject of muffins and him eating all of the muffins that Dirty made and I called him a fatso.

Then I smiled and told him, "You're gonna be a fatso like Popie."

Things I Love At This Exact Moment

1. My red fingernails. I just LOVE having my fingernails painted - it makes me feel so fancy! And to quote Dirty from a couple of months back, "I'm making red the new french." (She may have been making pink the new french, but that's just a minor detail...)

2. Emerald Cocoa Roasted Almonds. Holy Deliciousness!!!

3. The fact that when Mark Ingram's calf muscles were cramping during the BCS Championship game last night, the announcer said, "They have tried hydrating him using gatorade, pickle juice, etc." See, O'Connor - pickle juice is good for you!

The Details

As I mentioned previously, I inadvertently left out some details from the Vegas trip. This really was not intentional, it is difficult to remember everything when posting a blog, but I try.

So, here's the rest of the story...

When we were planning the Vegas trip, Dirty and I decided that I would bring the liquor (since I was driving) and she would bring the flask (since I don't have one.) So when I was packing the ice chest, I also threw in some tiny water bottles so we could hydrate in between drunken nights.

Friday night rolls around and we are getting ready to go out when Dirty informs me that she forgot to pack the flask. Never fear, I'm very resourceful! We'll just drink the water out of two of these little bottles and fill them up with whiskey and vodka. Brilliant! We hide the bottles in some bags in our purses and off we go.

Now that I think of it, this little bottle of whiskey could be responsible for the incident in the revolving door and on the Monorail bench. When we got in the cab to head to South Point for the rodeo, Dirty was drinking whiskey straight out of the bottle. I don't think that's ever a good idea.

On Saturday, while we were at the Sands waiting for O'Connor to arrive, we decided that we needed to sit down for a minute and regroup. So armed with BM's we found a bench that was the perfect size for the three of us and proceeded to people-watch for a very long time. It was hilarious! I think that people-watching is one of my favorite pastimes. Do you think I can start listing that as a hobby?

Either way, we saw some pretty funny things.

First of all, there was a group standing not too far from us and one of their friends walked up and said, very loudly, "I'm about liquor drunk." After a long discussion about what other kind of drunk he could be, Diddy and I decided that he wasn't very smart and left it at that.

Around that time, a girl walked by with Pocahontas boots on and Diddy started making Indian noises only to turn and find that two large Native American women were walking behind her. They were not impressed with his antics.

In a random coincidence, CageFighter was also in Vegas that weekend. However, he was there to participate in a grappling tournament. On Saturday, after securing the bronze (I know, who gets third?) in the advanced category, he started drinking. Which led to texting me incessantly. It's not really important what the text messages said, just suffice it to say, he still loves me.

On the ride home, in an effort to entertain us, O'Connor started a fun game of 20 questions. These weren't normal questions - they were crazy off the wall questions! For example: Would you rather let someone pick any tattoo they want for you to put on whatever part of your body they chose or be the worst kisser in the world?

I think you get the picture. It wasn't a normal drive.

Bearing Gifts We Traverse Afar

Ok, so I very inadvertently left out some details from Vegas, and I will work on a post that includes them.

But now, a break in our regularly scheduled programming.

I gave O'Connor his Christmas gift today and it inspired this post.

I love giving gifts!

More than I can express in words.

I love coming up with a gift that I think a person will love.

I love picking it out.

I love wrapping it up.

And I love watching them open it and seeing the joy in their face.

There is really nothing that makes me happier than to give someone a gift meant just for them, that they truly enjoy.

And if you live far away from me and I send you a gift, it makes my heart warm to think of you opening it up and enjoying it.

I love gift-giving so much, that I have a hard time keeping gifts a secret and not giving them before it's time.

I'm afraid that someday when someone lives with me, and I buy their gifts, and hide them in the closet all wrapped up and pretty, I'm not going to be able to wait for the occasion to give it them.

That's all.

True Love

It's official.

I'm in love.

With Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo.

Actually I think I'm just in love with the National Finals Rodeo. Going to Vegas during one of the weekends it is going on just enhances that love.

And I'm in love with cowboys. Even rodeo cowboys.

And I'm in love with my new shark boots. Even though Bruce's dad had to die for them.

Maybe I should start from the beginning.

Dirty Shirley, Diddy, and I headed to Vegas last Friday to join in on the festivities of the NFR. Diddy and I had never participated in this particular activity so Dirty was going to be our guide.

Early Friday morning (though not as early as I would have liked) Diddy and I loaded into Tyler and headed west. I am sure that you can imagine the hilarity of a four hour car ride with the two of us. We did not disappoint this time, it just so happened that no one was there to benefit from it.

When we finally arrived in Vegas, we headed to the airport to pick up Dirty. Then it was off to the Hilton (H-I-L-T-O-N) - our home until Sunday. We made it to our room, dropped off our luggage, and headed to the convention center for a little shopping and a lot of alcohol! On the elevator on our way down there was a couple who were both pulling suitcases and one of them had an open 18-pack of Miller Lite and a man with only one spur on (we still don't know where the other was and we didn't see his horse parked outside). So no one says anything in the elevator, although I was thinking, you did something wrong if you're leaving with the beer. Then, as if I had spoken those words aloud, the man said, "We are changing hotels. This is the worst hotel in Vegas. Just look at the people walking around here, it's trashier than every other casino here." The rest of us just stood there. Seriously? The Hilton is the least classy? I think he used the wrong word.

The convention center shopping was successful for Dirty and we all imbibed on a few alcoholic beverages, ran into a lot of people we knew, and witnessed some really bad fashion! Then it was back to the hotel to get ready for the night.

We had dinner at the MGM and then headed to South Point to watch the rodeo and buckle presentations. Thanks to Diddy's quick thinking, we sat down at some video poker machines near the bar with the TVs and each put a dollar in and drank free casino drinks while enjoying the events. Once that was over, we headed into the auditorium for some live music and awards. We were lucky to find a table and enjoyed a few dances and a lot of drinks. Some of us more than others. At the end of the buckle presentations, and five minutes after the last time I looked at them, I turned around to Dirty and Diddy and they were 3M hammered! Dirty was watching the stage with one eye closed and Diddy was feeling his face to make sure it was still there. I believe that those are both international signs that it is time to leave the bar, so we headed out.

Our great plan to avoid paying an exorbitant cab fee was to take a cab to the MGM and then Monorail from the MGM to the Hilton. We got to the taxi stand and were approached by a gentleman who said that we could share a ride to Harrah's with another couple for $25. Deal. When we arrived at Harrah's, we had to walk through the revolving door and Diddy and I were in the compartment (is that what those are called?) behind Dirty. So in the middle of this particular door there was a gold platform that looked a little like a seat, however, it was not - it was slanted and when Dirty tried to sit on it, she slid right off. Onto the floor. While the door continued to revolve. So she stuck a leg out, which I'm pretty sure was dangerous. Luckily, Diddy and I made it out of our compartment in enough time to pull her out of hers and all was well.

Until we got to the Monorail station, where Dirty fell off a bench and hit her head on the concrete. Then Dirty and Diddy slept the whole way to the H-I-L-T-O-N and proceeded to fall down some stairs before we got to our room. Once we got to our room, Diddy decided that he was hungry and needed to order chicken strips and fries. However, Dirty was so drunk that she pulled an "Airplane" and passed out before the food arrived. Then prior to going to sleep Diddy drank the remainder of the blue cheese dressing that came with the chicken. Then kept saying to me, "I just drank the blue cheese. That was gross. Why did I do that?" (I am laughing hysterically just remembering it.)

Day two got started a little late because everyone was moving slow, but after a 10:30 am breakfast, Diddy and I were ready for some more BM's! This time we were off to the Sands for shopping and waiting for O'Connor to arrive. The Sands proved to be a bigger success in the shopping department as all three of us found a pair of boots that we couldn't live without.

Mine are brown. Shark skin. Beautiful.

I know. You're jealous. And it's about to get worse.

I got them for half-price.

I know!

But, back to the story.

Before coming across these boots, we came across the most wonderful bartender who let us make our own BM's. Like she poured the vodka and mix and we got to add the fixings. I added horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, celery salt, and pepper. It was heavenly!

Then Janiac* and O'Connor arrived and the fun began (well continued). After having a few apps and some drinks at TKE, we headed back to the room to get dressed and hit the town!

Then it was off to South Point for the rodeo and live music! We had a blast! (Although I will say that the next morning everyone agreed that we didn't have as much fun as we could have.)

I taught O'Connor how to dance and we all danced the night away. Again, when we returned to the room, chicken strips were ordered, but everyone stayed awake until they arrived.

The next morning, Dirty awoke around 7 am and began doing calisthenics in the room, which woke everyone else up. After a late breakfast, everyone hit the road.

The drive home with O'Connor and Diddy was HILARIOUS, even though we had to sit in DAM traffic for an hour. I'm sure there were things that would be worth writing about, but I can't remember.

Either way, go ahead and assume the trip was a success and we will be there again next year!

Still Catching Up?

Apparently, I am still trying to catch up. I am very sorry!

I don't even know if anyone reads this blog anymore - and I'm sorry for that, because this is where it all started!

So, I'll just catch you up on a little bit of life - it may not be funny, but it'll be true...

As I mentioned in the previous post, I started a new job in October. I am now working for Red Baron, and I'm enjoying it greatly! I share an office with O'Connor* and he is pretty awesome!

Last month, I went to Reno with Dirty Shirley and we had a BLAST!! Probably drank a little too much, but you're only young once, you know? EID was there with her new boyfriend. He seemed nice enough, but really boring! And apparently having a boyfriend makes EID no fun. She went to bed early every night. I was highly disappointed.

The next weekend, Dirty and I participated in the Breast Cancer 3-Day in San Diego - it was a truly AMAZING experience. I participated in the walk in 2006 as well and it's funny how much you forget in three years.

This year I walked in honor of a good friend's mom, who passed away in September. I think that may have made the experience a little different for me.

Next weekend Dirty, Diddy, and I are headed to Vegas for the NFR. A good time is sure to be had by all!