Nothing says Christmas like a little spending a little quality time baking. For our annual family shindig, that my sister is so graciously hosting this year, I am baking some yummy cookies. Now if I could just get out of this godforsaken office....

Long Night

I think we missed out on some serious REM sleep last night.

1:00 am Child #2 wakes up
2:30 am Child #1 wakes up throwing up
4:30 am Cat knocks over full glass of water on bedside table.

There's something special about a person who takes care of another when sick. I overheard the funniest conversation. Child #1 barely made it into the bathroom before her dinner presented itself everywhere. She then proceeded to tell her dad that he's gonna need to make sure that there's some soup for her to eat since she's now 'sick'.

I didn't go running last night. From the time I woke up to the time I got out of my car at home after work, walking was a challenge. For whatever reason, that initial jogging killed me. However, I do plan to go home this evening and jump on the treadmill again for sure.

No big plans this weekend. I think we're going to view a house for the 2nd time so we can make an offer soon. The house is in North Arlington and located a few feet outside of River Legacy Park. This is a great location for the two of us- central and local establishments we like- River Legacy, Piranha Sushi, Chipotle, Gap, Ann Taylor- the essentials.

It's also our weekend with the kiddos. Not much scheduled with them either. But they stay pretty entertained with a set of markers and a cardboard box.

I'm outta here.

The Results Are In

I got a B in my class. I think this calls for a Caremel deLite. Girl scout cookies are so great.

We started running again last night. I did a total of 3 miles, 2.5 running. I think he did about the same. It hurt me. We'll see how tonight goes.

Back in Action

Well, with the end of the year comes lots of time to Blog. I know its been a while. But I've been busy. Let's see, since my last posting I taken the best trip of my life to California, I started an intense groupwork course for the Fall semester, and I switched jobs.

The trip to California was awesome. I went to San Francisco, Napa Valley, Monterrey, Big Sur, and many, many more stops in the rental car. We sailed, hot air ballooned, jogged down the coast, and toured. I can't wait to go back and visit Napa. We joined a wine club- Beringer. This is not a new wine to me. I've drank Beringer since the old days when it was the only thing left after the beer store closed. But, we tasted some excellent products when visiting the vineyard. And we now have received our second shipment of new products to try. Our latest shipment contains a Leaning Oak Merlot and a Chardonnay (can't remember which one). The last Leaning Oak Chardonnay we received was Fabulous so I can't wait to try these!

As for the school, I had an interesting semester with my professor who often times sounded like the teacher from Southpark. "Mkay." Except mine was Asian. I spent the semester studying Accounting Information Systems. I feel like I really learned alot. I also worked on a group project doing a case study on my previous employer. Hopefully my final will allow me to get my standard 'B'.

Now, for the new job. Since my sweetie and I will be hearing wedding bells soon, we were no longer allowed to work together. Something about Accounting ethics, nepitism, corporate mumbo-jumbo. So, I switched to a higher end, smaller location. This particular location has exactly half of the customer base than my last job. So needless to say, I don't really have my work cut out for me. However, since my assistant chose to work elsewhere, I am now flying solo. It's kinda nice being by myself. Delegating was one of the toughest things I had to learn when excelling to a management position. Now I have all control and responsibility. Unfortunately, I will have to hire an assistant. I simply cannot bring myself to file paperwork.

And as for our wedding, I am finally getting started on some of the planning. I suppose its about time since the big day is 5 months away. I recently sent a request for my sisters to be my bridesmaids. I have only gotten one response but am hopeful I won't have any declines. Just kidding. I think I may have finally found an affordable photographer. Now I need to get started on finding an officiant. It's tough when you're traveling and don't really belong to one denomination. I think it would be great if my dad won his election so he could perform the ceremony- although that may be a little weird. I am sure we'll find the right fit.

Ta Ta for now. Must run to jump into traffic.

Dum Dum Da Dum

It's official- well not quite- but my honey popped the question last week. I am so elated- words can't explain it! But somehow I have managed to leave my mom out of the loop so I gotta stop by her house today. I think she'd be a bit upset if I didn't fill her in on this tidbit of information.

Summer school is kicking my butt. I have decided to put off any sort of planning until after the summer session is over. I have to make at least an 80 on my next two tests to pull off a B in this class. I am a little ashamed of my performance, but also don't feel the urgency to make an A average like the old days. I guess I feel I proved myself in Undergrad. Everything else is just icing on my accounting cake.

Two more weeks until I am through and then we're off to Napa. I can't wait to see the West coast. It's gonna be so beautiful sailing and hanging out in vinyards. I think there's a hot air balloon ride planned too. I guess I'll have to fill in more about that later.

Since I am in the middle of training my assistant to cover me while on vacation, I thought I would take a moment to update my Blog. This summer has truly turned out to be a busy one. With school and work, I struggle to find enough time to do the fun summer things I enjoy. Definitely not enough time spent by the pool, reading magazines, and sipping on Margaritas. However, several fun events are in the works. A 4th of July with the midgets, a trip to Barton Creek, moving in with my honey, and finish it all up with a trip to California. I can't wait for that one- 10 days touring Napa Valley, sailing in San Fransisco, driving up the west coast. And of course, 10 days on vacation. (Hence, the training of the assistant.) But until then I must suffer through the madness of my members and the frustration that is Intermediate Accounting 2.

I did get to take part in my favorite youngest nephews first bday. Poor Benny slept through most of it, but a good time was had by all it seems. I had the opportunity to catch up a bit with my cousin Pamela. We get these opportunities once every decade.

Well, back to work. My girl is about to closeout payroll without me! Ta Ta!

Just a quick note

My body will not physically allow me to study anymore. I vowed to take a better approach in my second graduate class. By God, I am going to do the homework on a regular basis. So what did I do? Saturday I worked about 2 hours and headed to the pool. Sunday I worked about 20 minutes and jumped on the bean bag for a little nap. BOTH days, I only stopped because my head hit the notebook paper I was writing on. There's something about doing classwork during my usual me-time that my body is rejecting.

It is going to be a long 4 years.

It's Just Me and My Printer

Alright- it's way after 5pm and I am stuck at work trying to get my printer fixed so I can run monthly account statements. This crap only happens once a month....when I am printing monthly account statements. So I thought I would take this opportunity to write about my great, much needed mini-break to the beach.

My honey and I took off Friday morning and headed back to the coast. I was there 6 weeks ago but this trip was much different. No bride, no bride's sister freaking out, and no pink bridesmaid's dress. We drove down in a convertible and enjoyed the sunshine. Amazingly, I spent 3 good days in the sun and didn't get a burn! This is a huge accomplishment for this pasty white girl. Thank God for SPF 50.

We arrived Friday evening and had dinner on the harbor. Saturday we walked down to the jetty's and watched a few ships pass through the channel. We then layed on the beach for a while (until I met my daily sun limit) and took a little nap. We proceeded to take a 3 hour sailing trip with the Handsome Sailor. Very much fun- as I have never been sailing before. And after a pretty hefty bottle of wine we headed to the Big Kahuna for dinner. I have to say that Port Aransas cannot be known for its incredible waitstaff. Every place we patroned throughout the weekend had sub-par service. However, since we were on vacation, we sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the Corona's. Sunday was a relaxing day too- we explored the island in the convertible, headed back to the marina for some mid-day cocktails, laid on the beach, and then on to dinner. The story just repeats itself- relax, drink, eat.

Unfortunately, we had to return on Monday. But a fabulous time was had by all. Can't wait to go back!!

Drunk Pat

Twice now I have seen Pat Green sing in the last 6 months. Twice now he's been wasted doing so. Last night I went to a charity golf tournament held at Brookhaven Country Club. This is an annual event that he hosts with David Frost. A round of golf, dinner, and an acoustic concert to follow. Pat invited all of his college buddies to participate this year. Now I wasn't there for the round, but I did sit at the table behind Pat at dinner, and there were countless Miller Lite's finished off at that table. Regardless of the slurred interludes, it was great to hear the unique versions of his hits and all-in-all a great setting. I guess that since I refuse to see him at Smirnoff or the AAC, this is the Pat I am gonna get.

Just Stressing

The big final is coming this week. Lately, I really have no self discipline when it comes to grad school therefore the benefits that come with studying will not be reaped. I am going to try to study this afternoon before I go to the Ranger game. However, my two brothers-in-law are playing golf which is very tempting since I haven't played in about 3 weeks and the weather is very cool and calm. But- I must focus on the task at hand- Financial Accounting I.

Celebrated a little anniversary with my honey last night at the Lonesome Dove. I had some very tasty Duck Quesadillas followed by a very tasty beef tenderloin. My mouth was watering the whole time. Good thing I had some good wine to wash it all down with. Afterwards, we mosey-ed on over to the White Elephant Saloon to listen to some music. A great evening to say the least.

Alright, I have updated my blog. Gotta rearrange my sock drawer and maybe then I can get to studying.

All is well

Good news- I had a successful bike ride this weekend. No new knee damage. We again rode the Trinity Trails and went to the Kimball for a little Great Outdoors. Barely escaped the rain. I have adjusted my dreams of a runner's legs to a cyclist's legs. Very long and lean. Just a few thousand miles to go to get there. And a few less homemade brownies and Dreamsicles.

The accounting world is not very exciting these days. I have another mini audit (mostly balance sheet) that I was able to prepare for last week. This week I get to complete my big Audit follow-up work. My accounting final is in two weeks. I have to make an 80 on it to get a B. Wow, have my standards dropped since undergrad! Yippee.

Just like Riding a Bike

How many times have you heard this phrase? I know I use it all the time. However, I got on a bike this weekend for a nice little ride along the Trinity Trails and I busted my arse. Not so much the arse region, but the left elbow-hip-knee-and-pride area. Maybe riding a bike isn't 'just like riding a bike.'

Anywho, it was inevitable. I just took my spill early to get it out of the way. I shed a few tears of emabarrassment and got back on. And hope to do it more soon (ride more- not fall more). I have always enjoyed running/walking but you cover so much more ground and see so many more things when on a bike.

Guess who's back....back again....Frandog's back....tell a friend.

Alright, Alright, I know I am a bad blogger, I've just been so swamped lately. I feel that I could be a better blogger if I was not so darn cheap and actually forked over the money for a little DSL at the casa....

Anywho, what have I been up to? I would say that the main source for my absence would be a wedding in which I was an attendant. I did a little running around, rearranging the school schedule, buying new lipstick, etc in order to get myself prepared for my first 5 day vacation in....ages. So, Thursday March 31st I rented a car and headed to the Texas coast with my two hitchikers (otherwise known as the gasoline providers). One passenger being a childhood friend and the other the photographer for the wedding. The drive was very nice- green pastures on each side all the way through. We chose to take the road less traveled as opposed to the interstate.

Once we made it over the ferry and onto the island, we settled into what would be a 3 day celebration of my friend's marriage. Unfortunately, each day of my vacation started before 7 AM. Although, it gave me plenty of time to check out the beach and the surrounding local establishments. The party itself consisted of 150 guests from across the miles. We soaked in the sun, listened to two different bands, enjoyed a hosted open bar, and ate like kings. All in all a great weekend and a great excuse to get away.

The ceremony itself was in true fashion. Prior to heading down the aisle, we had to delay because the brother of the bride was stuck to a tequila bottle. Surprisingly, the father of the bride wasn't. Which of course, when the brother turned up missing, the bride proceeded to curse his name with a few choice four letter words across the parking lot (also the seating area for the 150 guests). Never a dull moment!!

So, the I Do's were said and my job was complete. After dinner and the first dance, I slid out the back door and headed to Austin in my little pink dress. I proceeded to spend a few days taking in the sites of Lake Travis, a little Hill Country, and a downtown Art's festival. I love Austin- I don't get down there enough.

Upon returning from my rendezvous, reality set in and I had my second Accounting test. This was WAY bad. I almost failed it. I am really disappointed in myself. However, it has made me committed to my final and I will prevail!

Moving right along to the following weekend, I spent one evening at Rough Creek Lodge in Glen Rose, TX. I would highly recommend this for any couple (or family) wanting to make a quick getaway. The amenities were abundant and activities available for people of all ages. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, shooting, four wheelers, gourmet food, campfire, etc.

And now it's back to normal life again. Work, school, work, after-work work required activity, work, school, work, after-work activity, work, weekend. Hoorah!

On a lighter note, I think I am getting a new bike. I've wanted one for a while and finally went to check them out this weekend. Will update on progress later.

The Auditors Are Coming!

I was having a very pleasant weekend. The weather was beautiful. The company I surrounded myself with was great. Plus I got to play with my nephews. Then Monday morning rolled in. I arrived about 10 minutes to work before the two internal auditors rolled in behind me.

So I have spent the last two days justifying my actions and decisions to two people (one of whom is in training as an auditor) who have little idea what I do. They have manuals and policies from which to determine if I am doing my job correctly.

I know this is expected as an Accountant and really is welcomed (I need to do my job right) but not the most fun thing to do.

Farce Withers Speaks No More.

My friend Farce Withers seems to Speak no more. He must be speechless.

A Day in the Life...Cont.

After dealing with all of this BS from my company, I get the following email from our VPs
'Based on your feedback and feedback from our Members, we have decided to reverse our decision to implement a Credit Card Convenience Fee. If you have not implemented this policy, please do not do so.' Fabulous. Now we get to call all of these people and tell them we are sorry and that we messed up after I got to sit here for two days and let them tear me up.

I need a drink.

A day in the Life of an Accountant

So my corporation decided to start charging 'convenience fees' to our customers that pay their bill to us with a credit card. We have over 20% of our customers who utilize their credit card resulting in me paying over 30k to Visa. Mostly they tell me they do this to either get airline miles or avoid having to write a check. Now I am a consumer and I understand everyone's frustration, but is it really necessary to rip some girl a new one in the accounting office? There are other ways to express your frustration than to yell in anger and make threats.

Now dont' get me wrong- I completely understand that this is part of my job. It's actually a big joke that no one likes to talk to the accountant because no one likes to give their money away. But over the last two days I have taken 54 phone calls from irate people. So today was actually the first day that I have dreaded coming to work. I love my job....well, I did on Friday.

One good thing this week- I won $225 from my collection company. Ann Taylor Loft here I come!

Can't Get Enough of these Blasted Showers

This week I was invited to a couple's shower for a bride & groom. One problem- I am not in any sort of relationship!! When compiling a guest list I should have automatically been eliminated. I don't know if they are trying to be nice to include me but I would rather chew on nails than attend this function.

Run Dog Run

I am still in amazement that I finished running my first 10K yesterday. I was big finisher #1246. Hoorah! I have participated in one 10K before, but I pretty much walked it. I have always had the mindset that I couldn't run 6 miles because I've never run more than 3. But long story short- I am ready to do it again. (Well, as soon as I can walk like a normal person again!)

It was a fun day because I had several family members there too. It was encouraging to see everyone so active. And what a great activity to get your kids involved in. I hope that we continue to support each other this way- it's creating alot of fun memories.

I love February in Texas

February must be one of the greatest month's of the year. Not only does it hold my birthday, but how great is it that yesterday it was 80 degrees in the middle of February. I had the opportunity to work on my golf game yesterday, although I was supposed to be studying for my first test tonight. I got 12 holes in and probably played the best game I have ever played. I think it may be because I had a demo Driver and Fairway Wood made by Callaway. The technology in the golf club industry these days is absolutley amazing. Anywho, the drives were long (and a little to the right) and the shots from the fairway went far and straight. All in all, a good day in the sun.

Big Money

The beginning of the year always brings the dreaded annual review, unless you have a great boss like mine. They are no sweat and he always gives me new challenges to keep my brain in shape. So I had mine yesterday,- and I got a 10% raise! Hoorah! And a year end bonus and tuition reimbursement.

This has to be the best annual review I've ever received.

My new Blog Addiction

I have become so bored at work that I think I may become addicted to Blogging. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my job. This dramatic environment I work in makes each day interesting enough without considering the actual work content. It's just that I am in the middle of the month where there are few deadlines and few projects to complete.

So, after I took the new girl to lunch for over an hour, I came back to work and have been reading Blogs for...oh.....let's see...Four Hours. My favorite for the day, recommended to me by a fellow blogger: Anonymous Lawyer

Maybe tomorrow I will rearrange my filing cabinet. I think I will be sure to sleep in.

Who was that St Valentine anyway?

I have spent several Valentine's Days as a single girl. And it's never really been a big deal. But this year it's a little depressing. I am not sure why- maybe it's because last year I had a great day. Or because I am still in a little bit of a shock that I am 25 now. Oh well- there's always next year.

Half a Century Old

Well, maybe not really but this week I had my 25th birthday. After spending two long days being hungover, I have decided it's time for me to stop drinking. Now I suppose that this could be a problem since I have plans for Happy Hour tomorrow night, but I have seriously got to cut back. Besides that, it's gotten a little out of control lately. I realized this when I woke up yesterday to check my phone to try to piece together the previous evening only to discover that I had called my sister at 2AM to tell her 'Happy Mardi Gras'! What was I thinking?

I do wish I was at Mardi Gras right now though. That would be way cooler than working.

Napolean-isms

Due to the comedic genius of Napolean Dynamite, I thought it would be fitting to post my new favorite site: Napolean Dynamite Quotes

Just Another Day

One thing I can say about my life lately is that I am never truly bored. Yesterday was a nice day. I woke up, went to a Dallas Mavericks game, read some of my textbook, and went to a concert. Not too shabby. And it was all free! Thank God for good friends!

Last night I was able to go see Jerry Jeff Walker, Pat Green and Jack Ingram at a special 'Tsunami Relief' concert in Dallas. I was quite impressed with the simple acoustic setting and story telling chatter between the three stars. The only thing missing was a campfire. The most interesting part of this concert would definitely be the lack of Pat Green's ability to form complete sentences with words found in the Webster's Dictionary. Apparently he got started a little bit earlier on the beer drinking than the rest of us. It was comical for the most part until he tried to lead the crowd in a prayer and failed miserably. But the entire event benefited the Tsunami relief efforts and I am glad that I could be present to witness such an outpour of help among US citizens.

Virtual Golf

This game is so much fun. I think that it may raise my non-existent handicap a couple of points, but it was worth it.

Baby Showers

Who thought up the baby shower? Was this before or after the wedding shower? No one I know likes to go to either of these two functions. I even know several people who don't care to have them thrown for them when planning their wedding or baby's birth. If you can't tell by my tone, I went to one yesterday. Now I didn't have to go, but as any good friend would do, I felt obligated and went. At one point I tried to count the number of times I heard 'How Cute' and 'Ahhh' but I lost track when the woman next to me tried to convince the mother-to-be that she needs to start stocking up on breast pads right now! (Those are for what? Yikes!)

What happened to sending gifts on the arrival of a baby? And, don't get me wrong, I love shopping for baby clothes just as much as any good Aunt does, but it cracks me up that a couple who together make more money than I will ever see, still have the audacity to register for items such as: baby crib, stroller, high chair etc.

And then there are the women like me who know that some distant cousin is going to insist on throwing me a shower someday. I suppose at that point I will go to Baby's R Us and register for all of the boogar tweezers and breast pumps I can ever hope to get my hands on. It's all a vicious cycle.

Back to School

I am pretty excited to start school again this week. It's not the 'back to school' excited that you get in 3rd grade. More like the 'I finally have something to do after work besides happy hour' excited. Three years of that will wear you out.

I went to orientation last week for the program. I felt like I stepped back in time because I haven't been in that building for almost three years. I even emailed my friends to notify them of my shock when I didn't see them in the hallway. Or maybe just rub it in that I am the first one to get off my arse and finish my second degree.

So I am going to take one measly course and see how well I can juggle work and school. If I continue at this rate, I will be done by 2010. I hope this is not the case.