Monday, December 22, 2008

Good bye, dear friend....

Race for the cure


All of the girls at Christmas a few years ago


Tricia and I at my 40th





My dear friend, Tricia, lost her battle to cancer on December 4th. I still can't believe it as I sit here and write the words. It just doesn't seem fair that a 49 year old mother of 3 should lose her life. She was a wonderful friend....someone who I admired and loved for so many reasons. She was a spiritual leader, a trusted confidante and a dedicated mother. She will be missed by me and so many others who loved her. God Bless you, my friend....you were one of a kind.



Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Flying PINK!!!


For the past few years my airline has been raising money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Every year it grows and more money is raised. The employee volunteers sell tshirts that can be worn on weekend domestic flights. The "pink boutiques" also sell Mel's friends bracelets, keychains and other various breast cancer awareness items. Last year, they added pink ties for the guys and pink pocket puffs for the girls. This year, they added a pink dress and pink turtleneck for the girls. The dress was a limited edition and only 275 were made. Of course, I had to have one. We also sell pink lemonade on the airplane so passengers can participate in this wonderful fundraiser. I can't wait to see how much money we raise this year!!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Dublin, Ireland

TK and I at the Temple Pub in Dublin.
We had help with the drinking of these beers!



I love Dublin....the beer.....the food......the people.....did I mention the beer?
With my seniority number, I am often assigned this trip because it is not considered to be desirable. However, I really like going there. Hubby and I honeymooned in Ireland although we didn't really spend a lot of time in Dublin. Our favorite spot was Kinsale which is on the southern tip. It is a beautiful spot. The people are very friendly, the food is yummy comfort dishes and there is nothing better than a guiness on tap in Ireland. I think I have mentioned this before? Beer on the brain.....A certain friend of mine has advised me to stay away from it because it is not good for the ole beer belly so of course it is all I want!







Monday, September 22, 2008

The Ring...


Shawna with RC Slocum after receiving her ring!


How exciting.....receiving a ring from Texas A&M is a big deal. Shawna and Patrick just happened to see the coach after she received her ring that day. Isn't this pic so cute?

Friday, September 12, 2008

Mighty Ike

Hubby emailed me this pic that he took from the airplane window. Wow....it's gonna be a big one. Hunker down, my Houston friends!!!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Soldiers in Shannon

Sky Angel and I were in Shannon, Ireland last August when we saw these troops bellying up to the bar. Guiness is the best in Ireland. It tastes so much better than it does here in the states. Yum! I can almost taste the creamy foam on my upper lip.....

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

September 11th

I was at the local high school homecoming parade
tonight and I couldn't help thinking of tomorrow and
the memory of the terrible tragedy that struck
our country.



Do you remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard what had happened? My husband and I were at home watching teletubbies with our toddlers. We received a call from my mother to inform us to turn on the news. At that point, we didn't fully understand the ramifications.It was so surreal....it couldn't have happened. I still have trouble believing that it did today. How could there be so much hate in the world? How are the families who lost loved ones surviving this day? I know it has changed my life and my job......
I wish the families who were directly touched by this tragedy love, hope and happiness. I know this day must be incredibly hard for them each and every year that passes. I am going to take some time to say an extra pray for them and to thank God for my safety, my family and my friends.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

I miss my friend.....

In the Johannesburg airport
At the orphanage in Dakar, Senegal

One of my favorites.....I want to take her home!!!!


Lots of babies!!!


I have to admit that I have been in a funk about going to work. I usually fly with a friend of mine and she has been off work for a while. We haven't flown together since July 26th (not that I am counting). Anyway, one of our favorite trips to fly together is a 6 day trip that stops in Dakar, Senegal and Johannesburg, South Africa. When we fly together, it is like a vacation. We get to hang out, talk, have a glass of wine (or three), laugh..... When we layover in Dakar, we visit an orphanage where there are about 50 babies being cared for by Catholic nuns. We play with them, and then help feed them before they take their nap. It is a good way to get a "baby fix".....especially for moms with children aged 9 and older. It is hard to leave but we know that they are well cared for by the nuns and the teenage girls that live there who are educated by the nuns. I will be going on that trip later this month. I hope my friend will be going with me.....I miss her. She is one of a kind.....wise, funny, smart, beautiful and fun! Cheers!

Friday, September 5, 2008

More bento.....

My second attempt at bento box lunch....definitely "america style" with pb&j sandwiches, fruit and pretzel crisps (these are so yummy). I wish someone would pack my lunch every day....

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Bad Penny/Good Penny


This is Bad Penny......


This is Good Penny!!!!!






My friend sent me this bottle from North Carolina. It is so funny!!! What I am wondering is.....why did she send it empty???? Hmmmm.......


Bento box lunch

This is my first attempt at a bento box lunch. The girls were really keen on the idea. I am hoping it will open our options for lunches and persuade my picky eater to try more things. I found out about this kind of meal from someone's blog (I can't remember whose) and I really liked it! I have since tried to find the original blog that this was posted on with no luck. I did save http://justbento.com/ which has great info and recipes. This is just some leftover chicken from the grill, japenese sticky rice, baby carrots and strawberries. If you investigate on the web, you will see some elaborate lunches made by japenese mothers. I guess it can get really competitive. My hats are off to these girls. I just used plastic containers and not official "bento boxes" for my first try. Maybe if my travels take me to Japan, I can pick up some fun boxes. We'll see what the reviews are when the girls get home.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Tree huggers

My two little tree huggers!

With gas prices so high, I told the girls that they will be walking to school this year if the weather is nice. On the way home in 90 degrees, Penny said, "oh, yeah, this is nice weather" (insert sarcastic voice here). I had to explain that unless there was a thunderstorm or snow storm that the weather was fine for walking. I have even been riding my bike to the gym. Patrick worries that I will be hit crossing the intersection. I won't. I am like Lance....ha!!! It is only 2 miles.....I figure at least I will burn off a beer or two.


Saturday, August 30, 2008

Homemade cookies?!!??!!

Licking the bowl (my favorite part)

Fresh out of the oven!

Wow! I forgot how delicious homemade cookies are.....I am usually a break and bake girl! The only time I get homemade cookies is when my very talented friend gives them to me and hers are the yummiest (is that a word?). Anyway, my daughter wanted to make Nestle Toll House cookies today and so we did. It was really fun to make them and to spend time with her. We decided to share with our friends although she had a really hard time parting with her masterpieces......


Monday, August 25, 2008

Mommy test....funny!!

THE MOMMY TEST
I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that.
“Why?” my daughter asked.
“Because it’s been laying outside, you don’t know where it’s been, it’s dirty and probably has germs.” I replied.
At this point, my daughter looked at me with total admiration and asked, “Wow! How do you know all this stuff?”
“Uh.” I was thinking quickly, “all moms know this stuff. It’s on the Mommy Test. You have to know it, or they don’t let you be a Mommy.” We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this information.
“OH…I get it!” she beamed. “So if you don’t pass the test you have to be the daddy.”
“Exactly,” I replied back with a huge smile on my face and joy in my heart.
Anonymous

First Day of School

The girls were excited to start school today. I can't believe they are in 4th and 5th grade. Time flies! The day went well and we made a stop at the frozen yogurt shop after school to celebrate the first day. Yippee!!!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Barcelona!!!

Oh, how I love this city. The weather, the people, the food and of course the sangria are all fabulous. Of course, the architechture in this city is amazing too. I could live here. I would need a serious spanish refresher course but who wouldn't want to live in a place where there is a siesta time every afternoon?