CHICAGO!!!

After may months of slacking on the updates, I'm going to start again... I surprised Lindsay in Chicago last weekend to support her marathon run; I was so proud/impressed with her incredible time, as it was FREEEEEEEZING! I helped Brandon unpack & organize his apartment, and now it's back to work. Dexter is very happy to have me home. Busy weekend ahead... I'll take pics & post on Monday!

CAM DINNER- Torsten Slama

Last night was the Torsten Slama opening at the Contemporary Arts Museum. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to Thursday night kickball, but I was able to go to the delicious dinner reception after. I got a couple of photos with my cousins at the dinner. My aunt & uncle hosted the dinner, and as always, it was lovely.

TRIATHLON

I participated in my first triathlon on Sunday. It was a SuperSprint (200m swim, 8 mile bike ride, and 2 mile run). I had a great time, and I'm hooked on them! My next one will be longer, and I plan to train for it. I did this one with no training, so I have been pretty sore since. I only have a few pictures now, but I have some more to add later.

MS150

This past weekend was the BP MS150 2 day bike ride from Houston to Austin. From Houston to La Grange (the half way point), we had HORRIBLE weather on Friday. It was so bad that the campgrounds got flooded to the point that they were not usable. For the first time in MS150 history (as far as I have been told), Day 1 of the ride was cancelled. I was very fortunate to be on a team (National Oilwell Varco) that was quick to pull things together and find transportation to get us to La Grange to complete the Day 2 ride. At 5 am on Sunday, our bus rolled out of Houston to La Grange. Day 2 ride was incredible. I took the 'challege' route, and I am so happy that I did so. Although it was VERY VERY VERY challenging, and at some points I wanted to walk my bike uphill- which I did NOT), I had the greatest time. Here are some pictures of the ride:

Brandon & I after our bus dropped us off in La Grange

About to head out...

Getting ready to start...

Taking a break while EMS cleared an accident

We did it!

DEXTER

I haven't updated in a VERY long time... I have a lot to update, but first I wanted to show you an adorable photo of Dexter in his new home.

BUSY WEEKEND

On Friday, I purchased a new saddle for my bike. On my Saturday morning ride, I made it about 22 miles, and I got a horrible pain shooting straight down the back of my right leg. I tried to rest for a minute then get back on, but the pain wouldn't go away. SO, a volunteer drove me back to my car. I was very disappointed. I went back to the store where I bought the saddle, and I have now been directed to see someone who specializes in custom bike fittings for women., so that's what I get to do this evening. ANYWAY, Saturday night, I had a dinner with the Houston peeps that I'll be traveling with ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

The Houston group who will be riding in Cali

Sunday dinner with Tracy & Ria

Tracy & I

Dad, Tracy, and Me

Ria and David

(Girls with the Dads)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A close friend sent me an e-mail with this quote today... I thought I'd share:

"There comes a point in your life when you realize who matters, who never did, who won’t anymore, and who always will. So don’t worry about people from your past, there’s a reason why they didn’t make it to your future."

Hope you're having a great week!

WEEKEND REVIEW

Sorry... No pictures taken this weekend! Not much to document, as I spent the weekend, cleaning, eating, and hanging out with dad. Hopefully I'll have a more exciting update with photos in the near future!

LAST WEEKEND REVIEW

Last weekend I visited PawPaw, and we had a blast! We grabbed some seafood with Louise on Saturday night at a yummy local restaurant.

Mom picked up a tent for Dexty... I think he really loves his cozy new home.

ADAM

My cousin, Adam, had major surgery on Wednesday, and the recovery is miserable. Every day he gets stronger & stronger and looks better & better. I am so proud of him for working so hard to get better (even though at times, it can be very discouraging). I can't wait (as I'm sure he REALLY can't wait) to get out of the hospital & get home. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he will be able to go home by the end of the week. Keep him in your thoughts & prayers!

COOKING

I just wanted to let you know that I have been trying some of the recipes on www.thepioneerwoman.com, and I have been very impressed. The other night I made the parmesean crusted chicken, in addition to my mashed potatoes & asparagus. Although, I felt like the chicken was a bit on the salty side, it was delicious, and the left overs were great. Tonight, I'm making chili with cornbread. Friday night, I'm thinking about making steak with twice baked potatoes and asparagus (gotta use it up!). Hope you're having a great week!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAWPAW!!!

Happy Birthday PawPaw! I hope you have a WONDERFUL Birthday, and many, many more!

PAWPAW'S BIRTHDAY/WEEKEND IN REVIEW

Interesting weekend... Friday night I went out to dinner, and I ate escolar. BIG MISTAKE. I got SO sick from the fish. I'm not sure if it wasn't cooked well or if I had an allergic reaction. My tummy hurt throughout the weekend & I was blotchy. Sunday, I started to get really sick, and I woke up Monday morning in a TERRIBLE state. Nevertheless, the weekend was great. I went to visit Pawpaw, and we drove over to L'Auberge to do a little gambling. I got back Sunday afternoon and went for a short bike ride with my friend, Brad. Ricki was intown this weekend, so we all got together for a family dinner on Sunday evening. It was a really nice weekend, and I'm thrilled to be feeling just about back to normal again.

Saturday Night Dinner w/Pawpaw

Pawpaw & I Visiting with Louise & Sophie.

Rose, Looking GREAT, After her Heart Surgery

Sunday Afternoon Bike Ride with Brad...

David, Dad, & Ricki Acting Silly on Sunday Evening.

Close Up

Much Better...

FINAL PLANS

My weekend plans have been finalized. I cannot wait to see PawPaw; we are going to have a blast (like always). Sunday, I'm going on a much needed bike ride, and then we're having a family dinner. This should be an enjoyable family packed weekend. Many photos to load on Monday.

MID WEEK UPDATE

I can't believe that it's already Wednesday; this week is flying by. I am going to see PawPaw for his 87th Birthday, and I am pumped! He had a stroke at the end of September, and he has made a full recovery. He attributes his incredible recovery to working out- walking a mile everyday, heavy weights three times a week, and a cardio work out 3 times a week & staying busy. I am excited to see him again! I think he is the poster child for staying in shape.

VALENTINE'S DAY

Saturday was so much fun- it was the PERFECT day out with the girls. First, Lisa & I went to a REALLY intense spin class (we decided on not riding outside due to weather)-great way to start out the day. Around noon, our group piled into the car and headed to The East End Urban Market (which was different) & ate at a little place next door that has incredible veggie sandwiches. Then we went out to Hubbell & Hudson. We somehow managed to spend over 2 hours there- who would have thought that a grocery store would be so much fun! On Sunday, I went to Benjy's for brunch; I must admit- it was one of the best brunches I have ever had (not to mention the great company!).

Just a few pictures of Dexty as I was changing the sheets. Isn't he SO cute hiding under the covers!?!?!

FOOD

Last night I had an incredible dinner at Gravitas- great food & company. Since I didn't get to clean last night, I have my evening cut out for me. I also am going to have to find a home for my skis & boots (which is hard to do in a small apartment). SO much to do before my bike ride/girls day tomorrow!

TONIGHT & WEEKEND

Tonight I have to do a MASSIVE cleaning (and unpacking from last weekend) to get ready for this weekend.

This weekend is going to be great- not only because it's long, but also because I have some great plans. Tara & I are cycling again on Saturday morning (rolling hills-- eek!), and then I'm spending the rest of the day with the girls. I can't wait! I'll be sure to take lots of photos. Although, I'm sure that I'll collapse after dinner- so much in one day. Sunday I have brunch plans- which I'm really looking forward to, and Monday I'm looking at more houses. Since it's so rare for me to have the opportunity to sleep in, I cannot wait to sleep in on Sunday & Monday!

HOUSE HUNTING

Tonight I am going to look at a few more homes... The whole house hunting process is a lot of fun, but stressful and overwhelming at the same time! I'll keep you posted; hopefully I'll find my home soon.

COLORADO

I had a great weekend visiting my sister in Colorado! I can't wait to go back & visit again.

Dexty immediately got in my bag before I was even able to START packing... Too bad I couldn't take him with me.

Then, as I was changing the pillowcases, he grabbed one to cuddle up with.

Skiing. You can't see from the sign, but this is where I did my first half pipe! Pretty scary, but REALLY fun.

Jason, my ski instructor, and I at a pub.

Tracy & I after dinner at The Kitchen- what a cool restaurant!

Tracy & I at Centro (a funky brunch restauarant)

This is the lovely frat'date party' at the frat house that Tracy took me to. There were 3 rounds of beer pong going all at once. I tried to play, but I was horrible (haven't played in literally years).

Tracy & I at the 'date party'

AND... this is my date for the 'date party'. Thank you Tracy for coordinating. Even though I felt super old, at least I had a Texan as my 'date.'

Remember lofted beds?!?!?

Tracy & I in her cute dorm room.

Greatest place for brunch- Dushanbe Teahouse, and interestingly the whole building was imported from Dushanbe! Great food & amazing tea!

FAMILY & CYCLING

AWESOME weekend! Friday night had a family dinner- great to hang out with my cousins... Saturday morning, we had another bike ride; we rode 40 miles this weekend, and it was such a challenge after drinking wine the night before. I learned my lesson- NEVER drink any amount of alcohol the night before a ride. OOPS!

Dinner with the fam

Adam & I

Tara & I getting ready for our 40 mile ride

Just to give you an idea of how many people cycle at 7:30am- when it's FREEZING outside. Not to mention the people wrapped around to the other side of the building.

Tara & I riding