heard on tv

Ever hear a really catchy song while you're watching TV and wonder who sings it? Now it's super easy to find out!
Just surf on over to this website and find the show name.
http://heardontv.com/
Too Easy!
~~~

Things I Learned from Mom

Sunday was my Mom's Birthday, so my sister and I and our husbands took her out for a nice Brunch at Chez Zee. If you have never been there for brunch, you must go! Make sure someone at your table orders the Creme Brule French Toast and try it...it is to die for! Don't order it yourself....or else you'll have to do lots of extra cardio to burn those calories!!!
Chez Zee has lots of other wonderful brunch dishes...some amazingly good omelets and eggs benedict like you have never had anywhere else!

Back to Mom. I really hope she enjoyed her brunch and the rest of her birthday weekend. Since I was busy with ACL, I did not get to spend as much time with her this weekend as I would have liked. But I'll make it up to her....now that she only lives an hour & a half away it's much easier to do than when she lived in Lubbock (7 hours away)!!!

I could never express how much she means to me, so I decided to create a list of things I learned from her.

Things I Learned from Mom
- Patience
- Never completely rely on a man
- Get your College Degree
- To clean the house before the housekeeper comes over...at least pick up the clutter so they can spend time cleaning rather than picking up your trash and dirty dishes.
- To hover and/or cover toilet seats
- To use a paper towel on the door handle of a public restroom
- In your purse always have: tissue, aspirin, lip stick, powder, comb, pen, gum, cash
- Chocolate Pie for Holidays
- Chocolate Biscuits for special breakfasts
- Chicken noodle soup, crackers and Sprite when I'm sick
- Keep a towel or roll of paper towels in your car
- Kitty Litter in your trunk when it's icy out (or anything that adds weight to the back of the car)
- Thank You cards
- Always say "Please" "Thank You" and "Excuse Me"
- Be considerate of others even when they aren't of me
- Cook a nice breakfast on important days
- Birthdays are not complete without a Birthday Cake
- Birthdays are important - they are your special day and you don't have to share them with anyone else
- How to get away with extending your Birth-Day to a -Week or a -Month
- Make your kids believe that you are in control of the situation....not them
- Anti-bacterial wipes
- Celebrate the little victories as well as the big ones
- Green is a good color on me
- Clarks shoes are comfy
- Appreciate your sister - she'll be your best friend for the rest of your life
- Don't sweat the small stuff...it's just not worth it
- If I set my mind to do something, I can do it
- Sometimes you just gotta cry it out
- I can pick my friends but not my relatives
- I'll never understand the connection between a mother and daughter until I am a mother myself.

This list is just off the top of my head...so this will likely be an ongoing list that I will add to in the future....

I just hope I can be half as good of a Mom when I have my own kids someday.

~~~

ACL . . . . . . . I’m over it.

Hot, Glaring Sun

Sweat

Runny Sunscreen

Dirt stuck to Sweat & Sunscreen

Gum stuck to my shoe

ACL gunk stuck to the gum on my shoe

Dust in my eyes

Smokers

65,000 people all trying to see the same band

B.O.

Drunk Chicks

Annoying Dudes

People can’t aim….Pee all over the portapotties

Only roll of toilet paper on the floor of the portapotties in a puddle of Pee

Handle on the door broken off so nothing to hold onto while I squat

Nasty, Sick stuff in the portapotty that I can’t help but notice while I try to wipe & cover the seat

Barf. Gross.

Not enough Purell in the world.

Only Upside.....Free Vitamin Water at the Sponsor Tent :-)

Austin City Limits - Sept 26-28

Yes, I will be one of the 65,000 people attending ACL all 3 days at this year’s event. I can’t help but get caught up in the excitement of Austin’s biggest music event of the year.

Even though I am not a huge music person, every year I feel the buzz…and it’s contagious. In the weeks leading up to ACL it’s easy to run into people that are excited about it, and you can’t help but compare band schedules. Chances are good that someone else knows which bands to check out better than I do.

I usually start off the long weekend with a short, but decent list of bands that I will try to catch….nothing set in stone. Inevitably, I will hear buzz about a band and it will peak my curiosity enough to change my schedule.

Thankfully, I happen to be fortunate enough to have a nice hook-up to one of the stage tents where I can go to relax, cool down, drink, eat, and find a port-a-potty without a ridiculously long line. I’ll also be seeing lots of friends there so I look forward to the chance to catch up and see some people I hadn’t seen in a while.

Here is my list of bands so far…

Friday, September 26

12:50pm - 1:30pm Christopher Denny (Austin Ventures)

1:30pm - 2:30pm What Made Milwaukee Famous (AT&T blue room)

2:30pm - 3:30pm Vampire Weekend

3:30pm - 4:30pm Jamie Lidell (Dell)

4:30pm - 5:30pm Gogol Bordello (AT&T)

Saturday, September 27

12:30pm - 1:30pm Old 97's (AT&T)

4:30pm - 5:30pm Robert Earl Keen (AMD)

4:30pm - 5:30pm Erykah Badu (AT&T)

5:30pm - 6:30pm MGMT (AT&T blue room)

7:30pm - 8:15pm The Black Keys (AT&T blue room)

8:15pm - 9:30pm Robert Plant and Alison Krauss (AMD)

Sunday, September 28

1:30pm - 2:30pm The Kills (AT&T blue room)

6:30pm - 7:45pm The Raconteurs (AMD)

6:30pm - 7:15pm White Denim (Austin Ventures)

7:45pm - 8:30pm Tegan and Sara (AT&T blue room)

Let me know if you have any recommendations for me!

Complete 2008 ACL Schedule

Good Friends + Good Wine = Good Times

After months of talking about doing a group wine tour we finally did it on Saturday…or at least a version of it. Technically, it was not a “tour” since we only went to one winery. We chose nearby Mandola Winery in Driftwood so we could do some wine tasting and then have a nice lunch next door at Trattoria Lisina.

Mandola Winery http://www.mandolawines.com/

Trattoria Lisina http://www.trattorialisina.com/

The wine tasting area was packed so our group of 13 tasted wine in shifts then the boys escaped outside to enjoy the weather (huh?)…..No, they were more concerned about the cigars, but the weather was a nice touch even for them. The girls (armed with several bottles of wine) followed the boys to the picnic tables outside. We took some pictures and chatted until our reservation time. We could not help but all comment about what a beautiful and perfect day it was to hang and relax with friends.

Lunch was delicious and relaxing. The restaurant is absolutely charming, and the outdoor area is enchanting with the lush foliage and butterflies fluttering around.

Ironically enough, our friend that planned this perfect Saturday outing was unable to make it due to a death in the family. She and her hubby were missed by all. Oh well…that gives us an excuse to do it again. Although, I’m pretty certain that no one will need an “excuse” for a next time.

The girls were pleased because the boys finally seemed to really bond. Maybe it was just a good mix of factors, but whatever it was, the girls could not be happier. In fact, upon return to the original meeting place, the boys wanted to keep the party going. The girls, on the other hand, were done after an afternoon of drinking and socializing. So yes, the boys regrouped and continued on for several more hours. We (the girls) could not complain since that is what we have been hoping for. :-)

CHEERS to Good Friends, Good Wine and Great Memories!

Can You Spot The Snake?

Be Careful Where You Walk.....

I guess I am sticking with the snake theme......

Did I ever mention that I HATE snakes???
~~~

It would be hard to miss this one....

10 Reasons Why I Am Sad Summer Is Over

I know that most of you are probably stoked that Summer is over and Fall is here…but I am not.

I am completely and totally a Summer-Time girl, and I am trying not to be depressed about my favorite season coming to an end.

1. Traffic. It’s back in full force.
2. No more summer smells - fresh cut grass, flower gardens, sunscreen.
3. That glorious Vitamin D that put me in such a good mood.
4. I am a year older.
5. Lake Days – no more mooching space on my friend’s boats.
6. Daylight Savings Time – I hate the time change in the Fall.
7. 8 long months until Spring.
   
8. Flip Flops & Tank Tops – even though I do wear mine way too far into the winter.
9. Icy Cold Cocktails
10. Traffic. I have to get up 30 minutes earlier!

How did I get so LUCKY?!?!?!?!?

…..to have the best group of friends anyone could ever hope for!?!?!?

I do not even know how to express my gratitude for the amazing time I shared with my friends on Saturday night. It was hands-down the BEST birthday party I have ever had!
The great thing was that is was simple, yet an amazingly fun night.
Sushi, Karaoke, and my Best Friends = a Perfect Mix!
EVERYONE showed up! (Probably because private karaoke seemed too amusing to miss.) Honestly it was awesome to have the entire girls group there partying together.

Seriously…..I woke up with a sore, scratchy throat Sunday morning. Totally Worth It!
We sang crazy-fun songs all night and closed the place down! I had a total blast…I just hope everyone else had as much fun as I did! Since everyone seemed to be smiling all night long, I am pretty sure that they did.

Whenever I hear these songs I will have some great memories to associate with them:
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! ~ Dancing Queen ~ Lady Marmalade
Summer Nights ~ Walk Like An Egyptian
These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ ~ Ice Ice Baby

Thanks to all my friends who made the night perfectly unforgettable!

Karaoke Anyone?

I am really looking forward to the Karaoke Party tomorrow night! Apparently I am not alone in my excitement since all of you people reading this replied YES on the Evite!!! And don’t even pretend that you are just going for the show….you KNOW you wanna get up and belt out your favorite song from the 60s, 70s, or 80s. (Sorry, no current fav songs….the song choices are not that up to date.)

Well, Madison & I MIGHT share the microphones with you if we think you have picked a song that meets our “standards” ;-) j/k
Actually, my awesome husband tested microphones Wed night and he got the system working perfectly….with THREE Microphones. YES – I said 3!!! So even if Madison & I do hog 2 of the microphones, there will still be one extra. ;-)

I know a few of you have this thing called “stage fright”….completely foreign concept to me. So I will not force anyone to sing, or even make you feel guilty if you don’t. Hell, the fewer of you that sing, the more me & my karaoke bud get to pick the songs and sing! And you all can just sit and enjoy the show! I am certain there will be plenty of girls group songs, and after a few drinks you “stage fright” people will probably be the ones hogging the mics!

Here are a few potential Group Songs (so you can start practicing)…
Lady Marmalade, Dancing Queen, Material Girl, Ooops I Did It Again, Walk Like An Egyptian
How about WannaBe by the Spice Girls???

Honestly, it promises to be an outrageous night and I am so glad each and every one of you will be there to share in the fun and craziness! I plan to wear my waterproof mascara because I’ll probably be laughing myself to tears…I am advising all of you to do the same!
It's all about having FUN and getting some good LAUGHS.....as well as a few memories to take with you.

I just hope we aren’t as bad as these people…….
http://www.bofunk.com/video/6638/white_people_doing__bad_karaoke.html

(Should we bring a video camera?)

Did I mention that I LOVE BIRTHDAYS?!?!?

Yesterday was my baby girl’s Birthday. Penny turned 9! I cannot believe she has been in my life that long. I remember driving 2 hours NW of Lubbock to meet the Chihuahua breeder ½ way between our homes. She advertised in the Lubbock newspaper: AKC Blonde Chihuahua Puppies.
She had me at Blonde.

There were two newborn puppies, one of them had obvious problems…but that made it even more adorable. The breeder told me that one was barely breathing when it was born and she revived it by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. So she was undoubtedly attached to it. That left the one that absolutely stole my heart from the second I laid my eyes on her. She was so adorable and so tiny…she was so small that she could stand in one of my hands (and I don’t have big hands). She was still a baby and too young to be taken from her mother. I paid the deposit and waited about 3 weeks until I could go get her and bring her home. I vividly remember the anticipation. I have always had dogs growing up, but never a puppy. Much less one that I picked & named!

Sometimes I refer to her as my Spirit. She has always been so energetic and full of life. She is friendly to visitors and new people, and she fit right into the “pack” when we moved in with my husband and his two large dogs. She curls up right beside them on their big beds to sleep at night. Her most favorite things in the world are her carrot, ducky & purse. She will wear you out playing fetch with those items if you let her.

She & I and my other Chihuahua have been through so much together in the last 9 years. Both my girls have a piece of my heart, and when the days come that they move onto a better place….well, chances are good that you will not want to be around me.

Penny is a little heart stealer! If you have met her, then she probably stole yours too!

Awesome Husband!

I have such an awesome husband! He had my entire BirthDay planned out.

We got up yesterday morning and he told me to dress for kayaking after breakfast. Original plan was breakfast at Kirby lane, but an hour wait was not cool, so we improvised....7-11 for some powdered doughnuts and chocolate milk – my favorite BAD breakfast! YUM! YUM!
At Town Lake we ate our sugary breakfast then rented a 2 person kayak. We tooled around for awhile talking and looking at all the Turtles. It was nice and relaxing.

After a stop at home to shower and change we went to lunch at Eastside Cafe on Manor Road. I had never been before…I had heard the cafe has great food, and I was not disappointed.
My husband gave me a beautiful watch for my b/d so we went to the mall to have the size adjusted. We shopped around the mall for awhile (Plan C) since it was too freakin’ HOT outside for Plan A or Plan B. I guess he thought it would be a little cooler yesterday than it was.
Then we went to SoCo...walked down the street for a bit, but not many stores open since it was Labor Day, so we headed home. After a few minutes to relax we changed for dinner.
Dinner was at Green Pastures – WOW - SO AMAZINGLY GOOD!!!!
We were exhausted and stuffed after dinner so we went home and crashed!

The day was incredible…mostly because we just took the day to hang out together. :-)

~~~

I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!!

Let me start off by saying I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!!!!

Today I turn 33.....WOW! I can't believe it myself, & I am pretty certain my family can't believe it either. Time Flies.

I stole the idea to blog about "stuff" from a friend of mine - Madison. She has been blogging for about 3 months now and her blog is my favorite site to visit every morning...I never miss it! So sometime in the last few months while getting to know my friend through her blog, I decided that I could do this. Maybe some of my friends would want to read my blog as much as I love to read hers, or maybe they would at least get to know me better through random thoughts about my life, or maybe not. Either way, I thought I would give it a try and see if it becomes "therapeutic" for me or just a pain in the butt.
I have never been good about keeping a journal. Every New Years I think a journal would be a great "resolution" for me, so I start them and then forget about them. So yes, if you want to know about my life in January of every year, I have that documented...it’s the other 11 months that got lost along the way... Whatever. C'est la vie.

So let’s get back to my birthday...my FAVORITE day of the year....yes even as I get older. I thought that as I got older I wouldn't want to celebrate my birthday like I used to, but that has not been the case at all. A friend of mine said it best when our group of girls was gathered to celebrate her birthday...
She told us that when she was growing up her father hated birthdays and never wanted to celebrate his own. On one birthday she called him up and told him that even though she knew he didn't want to hear it she wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday.
On this particular birthday his health had deteriorated due to cancer, and his reply surprised her.
He told her that he had it all wrong all his life.... He told her that birthdays should be celebrated; they are a gift from God to celebrate another year on this earth. Another year to celebrate your life. Her father died shortly after that.
My friend will never forget the words her father said and shared with us her feelings - Birthdays are important occasions and should always celebrated and shared with your friends and loved ones.
Needless to say we girls could not fight back the tears in our eyes in that moment we shared. We toasted and I think we all secretly vowed at that very moment to always celebrate each other’s birthdays in a big way.
I guess it was more of an affirmation that our celebrating each other’s birthdays for the last year was important and appreciated and necessary.
Soon after her birthday, we changed our strategy for birthdays...but that's another topic for another day...

I remember when I was turning 23...I can't believe its been 10 years!?!?!?!
I remember specifically thinking on that birthday:
What a great age! 23! Just the right age so people won't say "oh, just barely old enough to drink" anymore. Too Funny. Honestly, I was quite a knock-out at 23...its funny how you don't realize it at the time...

So now I'm 33...I thought I'd be much "further along" in my life by this age. You know, a couple of kids and a mini-van....like the LeeAnn Rimes song "Something's Gotta Give." I especially thought that song fit when I turned 30....before I met my husband. (Even my Mom thought it fit me...she is the one who told me about it.)

awww...That takes me back to my 30th Birthday...what an important birthday in my life that was!!! To start my 30th BirthDay: Sky Diving over the North Shore of Hawaii! To end my 30th BirthDay: the major breakup of a 3+ year relationship (THANK GOD!) Possibly a topic for another day...

Now I don't want you to misunderstand and think I am not perfectly happy with where I am at this point in my life...in fact, its quite opposite.
I have NEVER been HAPPIER with my life! EVER!
After a long, broken road I finally married the man of my dreams! The people that know my husband know he is Not Perfect, BUT he is absolutely PERFECT for me. On one hand I think: I don't know how or why but somehow I finally hit the jackpot in the love department. But on the other hand I think: Hell, I have done my time on that long road of bad relationships and I freakin' deserve a good one to finish out the rest of this amazing life with! More on my wonderful man later....

Another thing in my life that has never been better is my circle of girlfriends. Truly.
I have never been able to keep relationships going. It always seemed one-sided and friendships really take two to make them work. Most my friendships broke down because I got tired of always being the one making the effort. Of course there were some that ended for other reasons...but none of those are important enough for me to re-visit.
My Girls Group is unbelievably amazing! It's really crazy how we all ended up together, but now that we are...I really think we will be friends forever. (If that sounds cheesy...I don't care!) I will absolutely blog more about my Girls in the future!
Last but not least, my family. My family helped to shape me into who I am today and I am pretty happy with that person, so I have to give them a little credit ;-)
My family has been through some rocky times, but today I can say we have all reached a point in our relationships that we are comfortable with, and for that I am glad.

~~~