Friday, January 30, 2009

More Pictures from Ski Trip 2009

More random pictures of the trip. My camera was not charged for 85% of this trip. So I didn't get many of me actually on the mountain...of course when I found a connector I had already injured myself. So, you will notice some fun postcard pictures of my recovery room/condo. lol
Our first evening, Myers had organized a SEAFOOD dinner...my thinking was really?, we came to Colorado to eat Lobster? See the beach theme behind us? The food was alright, we had a long flight on the way in, so I was pretty tired at this point.
This was our traditional Bloody Mary drinking time at the airport. Yum Yum! This was obviously a very early flight, I am still half asleep! Randolph, Drew & New Recruit Cole at dinner!
Post injury photo...pretty icicles!
Just looking down below at all the people who didn't tear their ACL's! :0(
My Master Suite-All to myself! It did NOT suck!
A little reflective photography! It was a small loft, but yes very cute and pretty modern. The guys condo was more on the, That 70's Show era.
The snow really was beautiful and we actually saw some blue skies our last day! See it way back there.
Cedric the traveling gnome was anxious to go home since I was injured! :o)

Have a good weekend everyone, I have my appointment with the orthopedic surgeon on Monday!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Thursday Thirteen: My Ski Adventures in Aspen/Snowmass

1. Flying in/out of Aspen is nearly impossible, especially when flying UNITED {THEY SUCK}

2. Ski goers are very SNOBBY! 3. There is NO nightlife in Snowmass after 9:00 (even on a Friday evening and the XGames are in town...WTH?{Last Call} 4. Ski School is a waste of time if you are NOT over 60 and you HAVE skied in the past 40 years

5. A Hotdog and Cider will set you back $23.00 on the mountain

6. It snowed about 2 feet in 3 days which makes for great ski POWDER
7. Ski’s get caught up in POWDER and you get a ride down the mountain because you tore your ACL, another guy in your group does the same thing 20 minutes later
{Poor Bill never saw it coming either!}
8. $600.00 is the cost of XRAYS and a knee brace @ the clinic on the mountain
9. Drink heavily to forget the pain
10. One bedroom loft is $2300.00 for 4 nights, SERIOUSLY???
11. Bus ride to downtown Aspen is free and you even get a drunken college student’s slideshow of very inappropriate anatomy, imagine the movie STEPBROTHER, this was worse.

12. Eat cheese and crackers for lunch because your other “ski partners” are busy skiing while you are popping vicatin and icing your knee.
*


13. Return flight cancelled due to weather, pay another $150.00 shuttle to Denver, 4.5 hour drive to get to airport, rebook and recharged for luggage fee, eat dinner and go to gate to find out that flight has been cancelled due to mechanical problems. Rebooked to a later flight on another airline carrier. I was scheduled to be home at 4:00pm and ended landing in Houston at 11:30pm.


Let’s just say, Aspen/Snowmass is very pretty, but I’ll stick to Steamboat Springs!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Wordless Wednesday: 4th Annual Ski Trip, Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado January 23-27





Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Desperately Seeking Pillow!


NOTE TO SELF:
I am too old to be drinking wine on a Monday night!

Monday, January 19, 2009

FIFTEEN YEAR MEME, Part Two

2002: I was able to transfer with Lowe’s and it was not a good experience. Let’s just say the people are friendlier in TX than they are in VA. So I worked there until I came across a job with a Mental Health Clinic. Shawn and I had found a home care provider for Darren and Lauren so the timing was perfect for me to work full time again.
*
2003: I was still enjoying my job at the clinic and had a very good working relationship with the owners and the office manager. The kids loved their babysitter and I loved my job. It was that summer that Shawn informed me he wanted to go to Korea…we were still trying to figure out ways to get stationed in Colorado and this was his answer. So…we packed up our belongings and headed for TX. The plan was for the kids and me to stay with his family while I looked for a home in CO. We arrived in TX before Thanksgiving and I began working with a temp agency while looking for a home in CO.
*
2004: I found a house that spring. Shawn sent me the POA to sign paperwork and as soon as I signed for the house, he called and told me NOT to buy it. Later Shawn told me he wanted to stay in Korea for an additional year. I accepted the offer with my job to be hired on full time. I also bought a house in TX since I now realized I was going to be living here for at least another 19 months without my spouse and Lauren was starting school this year.
*
2005: After 10 Years of Marriage Shawn asked for a divorce (by email) and I got notice that my company was going to lay me off. I did manage to find another job just in time. My divorce was final in October and my job was going well. The kids didn’t know yet, they were so small still and I couldn’t stand the thought of telling them that we were now a broken family.
*
2006: I was very depressed and was having a hard time. The Boy and the Girl were doing very well. Still working downtown and enjoying my job. Some days were better than others. I had a wonderful group of girlfriends that kept me busy and kept me sane. Plus the kid’s grandmother helped me out a lot. Not to mention all my loved ones near and far looking out for me. They are what really helped me cope. It was this year that I decided that I could still live my life with my kids. I had to be happy and I had to do what was best for them.
*
2007: I had an awesome group of friends and spent so much time with the boy and the girl. They really became the center of my world. We had so much fun and stayed so busy. I started to travel when I could. The kids had some time to spend with their father who was back in the states and I had some time to myself. They stayed with their father and his wife the first school semester, yes I am serious. It was good for them but I was so ready for them to return home.
*
2008: They came home and were so happy to be back. What a wonderful feeling. They are such good kids and such a joy to have in my life. I felt good about myself as a person, as a mother and as a friend. Things seem to be going my way. The kids went with their father to Washington in the summer and that is when I decided to give dating a chance.
* 2009: Things are going great, staying busy as usual. The boy and the girl are awesome. I am dating and enjoying it and simply taking things one day at a time. It will be interesting to see where the next 15 years go.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

FIFTEEN YEAR MEME, Part One

About 15 years ago (j/k) April: Thoughts In My Tumultuous Brain had tagged me with this MEME, to reflect on the past 15 Years of your Life. This has been really challenging for me because there is a lot to reflect on. So here is a start. This is a Part One of Two parts because I have had a busy and wonderfully crazy life. I know I have left out so many details but here is a start to this way overdue MEME.

1994: I was a Junior in high school, played soccer, had a foreign exchange student from France stay with me and my family over the summer, Helen. She was a lot of fun and I am glad that my Mom let us enjoy this experience (for the second time). I did well in school, made Honor Roll and went to state for DECA which was held at the Broadmoor Hotel in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. This is when I fell in love with this hotel. I went only as a Junior Observer and had a really good time. I was 16 years old living in Pueblo, Colorado with my Mom and my little sister. My older sister was in college.


1995: Senior year of high school, I graduated at the age of 17. Played soccer all four years (Goalie), had all A/P classes, with the exception of Math, not my best subject. I was very involved with high school activities my senior year. Student Council-Secretary, DECA President (went to state again), French Club V/P and FBLA among many other extracurricular activities. I really enjoyed my Senior Year. After graduation I got my first job at Sonic as a carhop, got my license and bought my first car-Dodge Aries(1980). During that summer I met Shawn and traveled outside of Colorado for the first time to Houston to meet his family. We met in July and we were engaged in October. I then found out I was expecting our first child in November, so we got married in December! WOW! Everything happened so quickly.

1996: I moved to Colorado Springs, CO. We moved into our first apartment and didn’t have much of anything but we were happy and excited for our first child. I worked for Target until I had the boy in July(32 Hours of Labor). I only stayed home with him for 5 weeks. I found a job at a Drycleaners as the front clerk and after four months I was promoted to the Store Manager. I had a lot of fun working there. We were a happy little family of three.

1997: Still working at the drycleaners, worked 45-50 hours a week and the owner had even talked Shawn into doing some work from home for him. That place kept me very busy. I enjoyed it all but now look back on all the time I had missed with the boy. We had very good friends and loved living in Colorado Springs. We moved into a very nice Condo and had a lot of barbeque's with Shawn’s friends in the Army.

1998: Job was going great, I made awesome money, the place ran smoothly and I had a boss who was the best. The boy was getting so big and doing so many things that Shawn and I would just watch him and play with him for hours on end. In August, Shawn has gotten notice that we were going to be moving to Ft. Eustis, Virginia. I was devastated but at the same time excited to see that part of the country. Around November we got news that we would be adding to our little family and we couldn't have been happier.

1999: We were living in Newport News, VA and I found a job at the Hampton Inn & Suites but had to quit shortly after my hire due to complications with my pregnancy and the company not willing to work with my doctor’s orders. I was still able to take advantage of that employee discount for a few years thanks to some great friends I had made the short time I was employed, my dear friend Joyce. This is when I started my career with the Home Improvement chains. Home Depot hired me at 4 months pregnant…it helps that my interview was with a pregnant woman. The boy was going to a daycare on post and one day I got a call from Shawn asking me if I had picked him up? Mind you I am at work. Long story short, the daycare LOST our son. What a nightmare. So I called my Mom who wasn’t working at the time and asked her to come stay with us until I had the girl. She moved in a week or so later. How awesome was that! She spoiled us rotten while she was there. I came home to a sparkling clean house, happy little boy and dinner. If only I could go back to those days. That was when Darren really bonded with his grandma. Lauren was born in July (2 Hours Labor) too and we were now a wonderful family of four. I thought about being a stay at home Mom since I had realized that Darren was now 3 and I couldn’t remember all his baby years and now I had a new baby. So my Mom returned to Colorado and I returned to work a few months later. It was a nice thought I suppose, ha.

2000: Still working at Home Depot and enjoying the family life we had. I had moved to Home Décor and was working with neighboring departments, Flooring, Paint and Electrical. So I know a little of this and a little of that which has come in so handy. Towards the end of the year, Shawn was asked to become a recruiter and so with that we had orders to move to Texas. Originally the Army was going to assign us to Brownsville thinking he spoke Spanish. When they discovered we were not Spanish speaking people we were told that the assignment would still be in TX, we just didn’t know where exactly, which made it impossible to transfer with my job, grr.

2001: After staying with Shawn’s family in Houston for a few weeks, we finally got orders for Round Rock, TX. We were very excited. To be back in a friendly state and be close to his family. Recruiting was a terrible experience for Shawn and it was a time that really tested our marriage. I had fallen into a job with Lowe’s and worked Customer Service part time. I got to stay home with the boy and the girl during the day and I worked nights and weekends around their father’s schedule. The boy had started Kindergarten this year and we loved his school. My Mom & Fred were visiting when 9/11 happened. I am sure we all remember how that day went. I am actually really glad they were there because Shawn was locked down in San Antonio and they were there to comfort the kids and I. Shortly after 9/11, we got orders for Shawn to return to Ft. Eustis and I was so upset. I had made a lot of good friends and enjoyed my job and loved the boy’s school and teachers, but when the government calls, you must go. So in October we packed up and headed back to Virginia.

TBC.......

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Wordless Wednesday! WTH?


Do you see what I see {on the neck} Grrr! He said a girl "pinched" him there? So it begins!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Camera Cord Found In Camera Bag! AMAZING!

More Pictures from Sara's Birthday!

Sara & Todd {aka Butter & Tim}

Russ & I-Dinner at Trulucks!

This place was very nice but it was also very expensive and the food could've been better. They did however make a mean Martini! It was a special occasion afterall. Poor Russ wasn't feeling well but was a trooper and came with us to celebrate.

Lauren {actually wearing her contacts} at her friend Lauren's birthday party. There were about 20 little girls here and it was very loud. Maybe I am not so upset that Lauren's birthday is in the summer time. Too much squeeling and screaming for me. Of course the fact that Lauren's older/handsome brother came with gave her some points with the other girls. LOL, Poor Darren got into this moonwalk and those little girls went crazy. He was a good sport about it all and just laughed it off and then went inside to play video games with Lauren's older brother. Smart move.
Lauren and friends enjoying the Moonwalk.
This weekend is going to be a low key one for me. I am just going to have some down time with the boy and the girl. Maybe take in a movie and play board games. We could all use a nice quiet weekend.


Oh and just a funny note to add {I already told a few girls about this} but this morning I am taking the kids to school and I mentioned that I will be home before the kids today (because we work 6 hours on Friday) and D said, "Man, I wish we got off early on Friday instead of Wednesday". I told him, yeah-that would be nice, we would be able to get a start on our weekends. I wonder why they don't make early release on Friday? He then says, "Well, they told me they don't do it because if they did everyone would go to Mexico". LMAO, I was like WHAT? Remember the post I did on enrolling them in H.I.S.D., you gotta love it.


I hope everyone has a great weekend...and all my blogger friends need to get back to posting blogs...

Oh and also, Congratulations to Amanda on the birth of their baby boy! {January 3, 2008).

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Thursday Thirteen: Things to Come in 2009

The Boy will be ThirTEEN this JULY!!! Aaaack!
The Girl will be 10 this July!
  1. The Birth of another Brilliant Beautiful Baby Watson
  2. Ski Trip to Aspen with the Fantasy Ski Team
  3. My Mom & Sister coming to visit
  4. Summer vacation with the Boy and the Girl
  5. Jason and Heather's Nuptials
  6. Buying a new car
  7. Nellie's 30th Birthday
  8. Traveling with Cedric (gnome) to either Mexico or England this summer
  9. Paying off my Visa (finally-$13K later)
  10. Turning 32, I agree with Steph, there is something nice about being an even # in age
  11. Lauren's 1st Band recital
  12. Lauren turns 10
  13. Darren turns 13

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Congratulations Heather & Jason!

~Chop & I~Girls Nite Out~
Skiing in Steamboat, CO 2007!
~Along time ago at the Horse Track~
& NOW
~Engaged!~

~You two were LUCKY at the track and you'll be LUCKY in love too~
*
I am so happy for the two of you and love you both so much!
Heather, you were the BEST roommate/friend I have ever had. I miss us living together, but now you have Jason at your side and I couldn't be happier for the two of you. You guys truly are a match made in heaven. We don't see each other as often as I'd like us to, but when we do hang out we make life time memories together. We always have so much fun. I remember when you first had your crush on Jason. You'd call me and ask me what you should do...I encouraged you to just go for it. I remember the first time you two kissed, the first Christmas you shared together and so many other special moments. Watching your relationship blossom has been so much fun and really neat. I have always thought to myself, this is what true love is.....I knew he was a keeper from the start. You both have great hearts, laughter and spirits and are both very lucky to have found one another. Who said office romances can't work out! LOL I am just way too excited for you two and all the happy things your future holds.
*
~CONGRATULATIONS~

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Back On That Wagon

It is what it is!
(I am still somewhat convinced that this number can't be right, but either way, I have to get out of denial even if it is off by 3-5 numbers it is still too much for me to bear).
This is what it needs to be!

My 5 Years in Houston have not been very kind to my health. I am not quite sure why this is to be honest with you. I moved to this city November 2003 and use to see this number: 138. It seems I have managed to keep 10 more numbers a year to view on that thing you stand on. So, not because it is a New Year, but because I need to undo what I have done....I am back on that wagon.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Happy Birthday Sara aka Butter

{The Classic Picture in a Public Bathroom!}
~I am so glad you are now 31 like me~
I wish you a very Happy Birthday!
*
We celebrated Sara's Birthday this Saturday-you know how tough WEEKDAY birthdays can be. We started out with a lovely dinner at Trulucks and ate SHRIMP the size of my head. I personally think there is a reason most shrimp served are under 5 pounds. It wasn't too bad, but it was a bit tough-maybe from the 'juice' they raise these things on. Let's just say next time I'll go for the regular sized shrimp. This delicious entree came with Grits. I've never gotten what grits are to be honest with you. A friend of mine said they were pig intestines or something of the sort, another friend said they are a corn product. All I know is that they weren't too bad. I think I would prefer the traditional (in my world) mashed potatoes. We made sure to choke down those massive shrimp with a few Martinis that were Oh My Lord-So Strong. I have no idea how Todd downed 3 in that sitting. LOL
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Afterwards we went to the Bronx Bar near the Galleria for a few 50% off drink specials....yes Sara, they were 50% because it was your birthday celebration, not due to the economy! Ha ha. Music was good, drinks went down smoothly and good times were had. After a few of these reduced refreshments, our bday girl was feeling a little adventurous, so we went around the corner to a "Gentleman's Club". WOW, talk about a waste of money. To walk in and order a beverage for two people was the fastest $60.00 I had ever spent, so we took a quick snapshot in the ladies room to capture this crazy venture, well one of the performers was kind enough to take it for us, after all I did rescue her cell phone from falling out of her "COSTUME" ha ha. Needless to say, we realized this wasn't our cup of tea and we made our exit. Overall the evening was fun and I am happy I got to celebrate with Ms. Butter. To think we are planning a trip to Mexico this year.....and we got into all that in one night!
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I am so happy you LOVE the BIG pen. Don't lose it girly! More pictures to come.....
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HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!