Longhorn in Houston

Bachelorette Party

2010-03-06T17:28:00.005-06:00

As I had mentioned a mere 10 days ago...last Saturday was my bachelorette party here in Houston! I'm finally getting around to posting pictures because I've had quite the busy week getting things ready for the wedding (7 DAYS). Rather than write a big, long blog about all of the happenings, I'll let the night tell it's story in a few pictures. We started out at Hotel ZaZa in the museum district (my new home) followed by a delicious dinner at Cyclone Anaya's. We found ourselves back at ZaZa after dinner for a honeymoon shower and ended up at Monarch, ZaZa's Bar, for some night caps!

Lindsey, one of my amazing maids of honor!
What would become my "throne" for the evening.

My Joanna, maid of honor.

My two MOH's at Cyclone's.

With my two wedding planners, Brooke and Mel.

My two Houston friends, Steph and Jenn!

Jo, Amy and Heather: bridesmaids.

Two more bridesmaids: Allie and Becca.

The crew after dinner.

One of my fabulous gifts!

I had the most amazing time with these 10 ladies for my bachelorette party! It was a night full of lots of laughing and even a few tears. It was the most perfect party for me. Thank you to Linds and Jo who both came from out of town to throw the most wonderful party. I could not have asked for more!

A Girl's Only as Good as Her Girlfriends.

2010-02-25T19:00:00.006-06:00

You are the company you keep...that's what they say. As the more communicable, civilized and "aware" sex of the human species...I'm a girl that thrives on her friendships. What female doesn't? (Well, the ones that stopped trusting all other girl in high school and haven't ventured back into the realm of female friendships.) When I moved from Austin, my greatest loss was my daily girlfriend interactions...from work at MBF to all of the ladies now at "Le Gables" to my wise friends from The Stone. I kept telling Dan every day "You do realize what I am leaving for you, right?" (He ALWAYS understood, probably too well.) I spent my first few months in Houston in tears after each time I talked to a friend still in Austin as I desperately missed the day-to-day interaction with those gals.

Until I got to thinking...I've lived long distance from my two best friends, Lindsey and Joanna, for 3 and 8 years, respectively. And I will claim that my friendships with the two of them have grown increasingly closer since our time apart. And I would not give up my long-distance best friendships for any girlfriend in close proximity. And these two ladies are going to be standing closest to me on my big day in two weeks.

Lindsey (the green eyed-brown haired-Lindsey with an E-same as me) and I have been friends since we pledged our sorority at UT together in the Fall of 2003. She is currently finishing up her 3L year and her law degree at Wash U in St. Louis and I could not be more proud of her. (She's even helped me get out of a few sticky health insurance situations with her legal advice!) Nevermind that Dan's in law school, SHE will always be my personal attorney and legal counsel on all matters professional and personal. Lindsey is the best friend that sets you straight and justifies your feelings...if she feels they are justifiable. She lets me know when it's okay to be "foul" (the word we use instead of "in a bad mood") or "not foul" and always keeps me at the height of my intelligent classiness. She knows the ins and outs of my mind better than I do. A best friend like her is invaluable. (Below pic is the most recent one of Linds and I: @ her law school Jessup competition in Houston two weeks ago!)
And here you find my dearest Jonapa. I mean, Joanna. I mean, Jo. (She likes Jo, I like Jonapa, her birth name is Joanna.) Joanna and I have been friends since my junior year of high school in Sugar Land. (If you do the math, that puts our friendship at 9 years - 8 of which is long distance.) Joanna is currently a MSW at Methodist Hospital in Dallas where she regulates her hospital floor ALL.DAY.LONG. This girl's got more stamina than anyone I know. She works long, hard hours and does it all very selflessly and with quite a bit of grace. Joanna is my sounding board...she listens to my problems and calmly helps me discuss them when I'd much rather breathe fire. I know I mentioned she's selfless at work...well, she's selfless in absolutely every aspect of her life. There is not another person that this girl wouldn't put before herself. I expect this friendship to last just about forever and know that it might possibly be all long distance! (Below pic is the most recent of Joanna and I: @ Sawyer Park on Washington during her latest visit to Houston.)

These two girls are surely planning the most wonderfully "appropriate-for-me" Bachelorette Party this weekend here in Houston and I cannot wait! Linds and Jo have taught me that long distance friendships are the most rewarding and I feel blessed to have so many. My fabulous Austin bridesmaids are coming in and I've even got one flying in from New York City. I am so lucky. They're all joining together with my fabulous 4 Houston friends (I've previously mentioned...two being the infamous B&M, one being Jenn and the other being Dan's groomswoman) to celebrate one of my last times as a single gal.

Hold on to your girlfriends tight...hold on to the long distance ones even tighter. If you're lucky if you can count your good friends on one hand, then what does that make me?

Kids Say The Darndest Things

2010-02-19T18:11:00.002-06:00

The place below has brought me the absolute greatest joys I have ever had in life in the past 7 months. This is where I work, Jaime Davila Elementary in HISD's East Region. I.LOVE.THIS.SCHOOL.
I've sworn up and down that I would start creating a journal of the crazy things my kindergartners say each day and here I am 7 months later with nothing as of yet...well here I go...some snippets into the hilarious and sometimes inappropriate things my students say.

During a conversation about what humans NEED to live versus what they WANT (Nintendo DS, pool, bike were some of the common things my students just absolutely NEEDED to live)...we're popcorning around the classroom for answer and I come across Valeria, she says one word: "Beer". Apparently this little 5 year old angel needs beer to survive.

Jake: "Ms. Hudson, my dad's name is studmuffin."
MH: "How do you know that Jake?"
Jake: "Because it's what my mom calls my dad at night."

Here's two from one of my favorites, Leo...

"Right Ms. Hudson, right you can call the police by other names? Like the po-po?"

"God gives you good things and the devil gives you bad things. God can turn you into an angel. The devil smokes." (After discussing a sign that says "no fumar".)

Oh, and this happens in class...

Jake got in trouble for calling Mateo the "B word" and Jake swears up and down "But Ms. Hudson, my brother says that word and shut up all the time. It's not a bad word." After writing a note to his mom to inform her of what's coming out of her precious son's mouth I get the following e-mail: "Ms. Hudson, I am so sorry. I can absolutely assure you though that he did NOT get it from his brother because his brother is three."

Suddenly the memories are flowing of crazy things Jake says...

(While I'm being observed by my supervisor...)
MH: "What did you guys do this past weekend?"
Jake: "Canada."
MH: "Really? Where is Canada?"
Jake: "It's about 250 miles away."
MH: "WOW! I've never even been there! How long does it take to get there?"
Jake: "About 50 minutes. I also went to Iceland. It's 20 minutes away."

I hope these have brought you a laugh or two as they do me every single day! XOXO.

Bullets.

2010-02-17T20:22:00.002-06:00

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure was very successful. My polish lasted 6 days. That is a record for a girl whose worst habit is peeling off her nail polish.
I don't even know where to begin to tell you my stress level has been today. We'll just say this...at one point today I believed that my engagement ring was lost in the mail and I would never see it again. There is no need to go further with that story...for now.
I've got a REALLY cute new blog coming as soon as March 13th turns the corner! Itching to get it out.
Last weekend I saw TWO of my favorite people in TWO cities in ONE day: MOH Lindsey and the wisest woman I know, Lisa.
I'M MOVING THIS WEEKEND INTO THE MUSEUM DISTRICT OFF HERMANN PARK DRIVE. My adult life will soon be back!
I'm a big girl. This past Monday I bought a new couch AND a king sized mattress for our new place!
24 days left.

Till next time...whenever that may be...XOXO.

Life in fast forward.

2010-02-10T20:08:00.006-06:00

As my wedding creeps up on me...well more like smacks me in the back of the head and gives me whiplash (a mere 30 days away), I feel like I'm living a very faced paced life! Something I'm not typically use to. I'm a creature of routine...I like things that repeat every day...I like being settled...wedding season has thrown me off my schedule! I had to find a bit of time to blog about the regular goings-on of day-to-day life. So here's a glimps into my life as of late.

Here's some recent pictures from school! We've been studying the parts and life cycle of a plant in Science and my class created this super cute bulletin board labeling the parts of a plant! They are so proud to have their work on display.
In writing, we've been focusing on writing about our feelings and describing them in detail. We have a great writing program called Empowering Writers that the kids really love. In this picture they had to draw how they felt that day and then write how they felt and explain why. I'm very proud of their work!

Today, my mom came to school and read a book to my kiddos! They LOVED it! Their first response was "Your mom looks like THAT?!" They did so good and were very attentive. Criss-cross-applesauce...backs straight up and mouths closed.

Dare I say I've found a better nail polish than my favorite OPI, Essie and Sparitual? I think I just might have...last night when I was wandering around Target, their collection of OPI looked quite puny so I checked out Sally Hansen...Sally's pretty well versed in polishes and I thought I'd give her a try. I came across Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure polish...no base coat, no top coat needed. I'm on day 2 and I'm absolutely loving it. No peeling or flaking...yet. My color: Plum's the Word. Houston, I know you have some excellent shopping meccas...by WHY, OH WHY do you not have an H&M? And, H&M, WHY, OH WHY do you not let us Americans order online? Good thing I got a good dose of you this past weekend in Chicago. Now jump on the wagon like ZARA did and get your little booty to Houston. Even Nordstrom Rack is on board (starting February 25th)!

Teachers rejoice...yet another store has gone pro-educators and started a 15% discount on EVERYTHING with your teacher's ID: Banana Republic. When I found out about this new discount last week in the store, I commented to the clerk "Must be because J. Crew gives one..." to which she said "Exactly!" Too bad J. Crew's discount is only for regular priced merchandise... I call for an all out "teacher admiration" bidding war between BR and J. Crew...show us who can one-up the next for the best discount and we'll be yours forever.

I am SO glad LOST is back...I am NOT glad that it interferes with The Biggest Loser. Oh well, someone's gotta make the sacrifice. Goodbye Biggest Loser! Jack and Sawyer beat Bob and Jillian any day.

I think that's about it for now with my thoughts on the day. We don't have school on Monday thanks to President's Day and I am looking forward to getting a lot of wedding details taken care of on Monday. But before then...I'm going to Austin for the night on Saturday to visit my fantastic friend Lisa! So looking forward to quality time with one of the most wonderful friends. Till then...XOXO.

Wedding shower in Chicago - The Festivities

2010-02-09T18:45:00.012-06:00

Finally...the story of the Chicago wedding shower in it's entirety. You know I received cryptic notes, you know I was duped into thinking I was going to New Orleans and you know I boarded a flight to Chicago. So here.we.go! I'm going to tell the story of the weekend through my pictures since I have so many.

Imagine my surprise when I walk out of O'Hare to find this waiting for me:

And in the back row of this car, I find my mom and Aunt Cathy hiding out! Surprise! They were even on the same plane as us from Houston to Chicago!

First stop on Saturday is High Tea at the Drake Hotel!

(Oh, I forgot to mention...when I arrive at our hotel, I find these three waiting for me, Aunt Julie and cousins Madelyn and Samantha! Total there were 8 amazing Timme women on this trip! Sneaky, sneaky...they've been planning for months!)

You can't have high tea without a pinky flip.

Mommy and I @ High Tea

All of the gorgeous ladies at The Drake. Our server was very intent on taking many pictures from many different angles.

Next stop: The Shedd Aquarium

Posing outside in the freezing weather next to Lake Michigan.

Could Chicago be any more gorgeous? Even in the ridiculous winters, it's still my favorite.

Next stop: a late afternoon drink and snack at The Signature Lounge in the Hancock building. Gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago.

And after a few drinks, the aunts decided that Brooke and I have the same nose. We had to take a profile pic to be sure...my vote is no. However, Samantha in the back could care less, she's just glad to be photographed.

Just sitting in the corner booth...

These two little cousins of mine are quite fabulous. We are getting busy planning our next Timme ladies trip - Madelyn's (in the green) 10th birthday trip! We all went on trips for our 10th birthday courtesy of our late grandmother...well Maddy's the last one and we're all on board!

None other than Mel's amazing photography skills. (View of Chicago from The Signature Lounge.)

One of the neatest things that my family organized during the weekend was my wedding shower! Everywhere we went, a little white envelope popped up in the most random places and inside was another "ransom note style" message along with a gift that someone had purchased for my shower! I received gift from everyone in Chicago as well as some wonderful family members that couldn't make it including my sister-in-law in Florida and Dan's mom!

The beginning of Sunday: walking across the river. Snow everywhere!

The Chicago Theatre! (I am SO going back next weekend for Mariah Carey.)

Freezing my little you-know-what off on Navy Pier Sunday morning!

The famous Navy Pier (a little deserted due to the season...regardless, we still needed to see the sights)!

View of Chi-town from Navy Pier...all that white, cracked stuff? Yeah, that's a frozen Lake Michigan.

5 of us on Navy Pier (AJ and the little girls had to leave early Sunday morning).

This one is just for my Navy (soon-to-be) husband...at the end of Navy Pier on an anchor!

"The Bean" in Millennium Park (that's the madre and I taking pics of ourselves...after a very successful shopping trip to Nordstrom Rack).

So gorgeous, and I don't even like beans.

The last photo of the trip...standing in front of MY store at O'Hare airport. Thought there was a need to commemorate since it's the last time I'll be at the airport as a Hudson. (No worries though, I'm working with my attorneys right now to get the name changed to Paschal News by March 13th.)

To sum it all up, this weekend was absolutely magical. I spent it with the women in my life that mean the most to me and care enough to take time out of their hectic lives to plan a weekend getaway/bridal shower before my wedding. I am blessed beyond belief and in no way deserved the love that they poured on me over the weekend but am so thankful. Times like these with family like mine is never to be taken for granted. We are all lucky to have one another and we all know it. Thank you to Brooke and Melissa for being creative and crazy enough to get this trip started and being the wonderful con-artists you are to keep this all a secret from me. Thank you momma G, FA, AJ, Maddy and Sam for coming and making the surprise that much more unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who "showered" me with gifts including the ladies above and Aunt Diane, Elizabeth, Beth, Charlotte, Danielle and the Penlands, Donna, the Loya clan, Mrs. Stephens and Mrs. G. You have all blessed me from afar!

This past weekend will be one I'll never forget and it will take a lot to top it. Something tells me that all we need is another Timme girls weekend to do just that.

Wedding shower in Chicago - The Big Reveal

2010-02-09T17:38:00.006-06:00

Friday, 12:30pm, Brooke picked me up from my house and we headed off on our adventure. First stop, gotta snag the other co-conspirator, Melissa. I arrive, I'm handed my boarding pass*...I'm heading to New Orleans! Yes, New Orleans on Super Bowl weekend none-the-less. Heck...I was headed out of Houston so I was excited! I'm given a luggage tag and told that Mel would be checking my bag for me. We arrive at Intercontinental Airport around 2:30 and by this time, my anxiety for flying has overcome me and I need a little "sedative". B&M have just the cure...the Continental President's Club. Yes, please.

We head through security, I'm holding onto the golden ticket, head up to the PC and order our first round. Free drinks to calm me down...I'm traveling in class ladies and gents. I know what you're thinking..."I thought you went to Chicago?!" I did, I did...I'll get there.

As we sit in the PC for about 2 hours, our flight is delayed once and we decide to indulge in some Vueve Clicquot because after all, we're celebrating TWO things...#1 girl's weekend and #2 Mel's 35th birthday. (Take a gander at the blond to the left. Looks just over 18, I know.) We spend time talking about weddings, job issues, our crazy-big family, and everything we want to do in good old New Orleans. Laissez les bon temps rouler! (Sidenote: I am not an individual you would find at any sort of President's Club...I do not belong...I know I do not belong because I was the loudest person in the club and I stole many packages of Walker's shortbread cookies to stuff into my bag. Maybe that's not as bad as Brooke stealing cheese.)

After cooling myself off with champagne, Mel makes the move to head to the gate because "our flight is leaving in 20 minutes" and we drop our drinks and speed-walk it all the way to our gate. Whew! We made it...my heart is pounding and my legs are shaky...I hate planes. Prayers start as I walk down the jet way and I hope to get a glance of the pilot as we walk on (seeing the pilot tends to ease my mind...I size him up and judge for myself if he is capable of keeping this large steel bird in the sky). "Final boarding for Chicago-O'Hare Airport ladies and gentlemen, we have a full flight today so please take your seat." "CHICAGO?! We're going to CHICAGO?! You liars!" comes out of my mouth. However, my head is saying "Praise God, New Orleans during the Super Bowl? Bad idea. Chicago=my favorite city ever. Brilliant idea." So I settle down, take my seat and brace myself for take off, a 2 hour flight and the inevitable freezing weather that will greet us. This was the beginning of an unforgettable weekend.

**Aforementioned boarding pass was photoshopped by Brooke with her mad skills. I'm sure photoshopping a boarding pass is some sort of felony. Oh well.

Wedding shower in Chicago - The Ransom Notes

2010-02-08T21:22:00.006-06:00

So...it's TRUE! I just had the most amazing wedding shower in CHICAGO! Ever heard of a destination wedding shower? Well, now you have! I have MUCH to blog about my weekend and many pictures to share so this post will come in parts...and without further ado, here is part I:

I have two wonderful cousins that have previously been mentioned in this blog many times, Brooke and Mel (referred to as B&M from this point forward). B&M got a little sneaky idea back in November/December to take me on a girl's trip somewhere before the wedding. All I was told was to take off Friday, February 5th and I'd be back in time for school Monday. I didn't know if I was driving, flying or for that matter, boating there but I was booked to be somewhere other than Houston that weekend. In late December/early January, I started receiving cryptic "ransom notes" in the mail in unmarked white envelopes from all over the country (Seattle to Albuquerque to Dallas) with hints about what we were doing. There were 6 total...and here they are in the order I received them (to the best of my memory): I received the last letter about a week before my trip and had long ago figured out they were coming from B&M. Now I just had to wait until February 5th to find out where I was headed! (Sure, it seems like those notes would lead you to New York City or Chicago or Boston...but you'll find out soon that I was almost headed to New Orleans. Just keep checking back!)

More to come... XOXO.

My ultimate.

2010-01-29T19:26:00.003-06:00

I have 5 very *small* dreams in life. At the risk of being VERY naive and thinking these will make life "perfect"...I shall post anyway. I know that regardless of if none of these dreams occur, I know I will have the life God set out before me and he may just not want me to have ANY of these things. A girl can dream regardless...so here they are, my ultimate.

1. A professional, industrial kitchen with a Viking Range. I LOVE cooking...my cooking would turn out MUCH better if it happened here.

2. To go along with my amazing kitchen, I would like a lifetime of shopping for my groceries at Whole Foods. I've said it once, I'll say it again...I would much rather be gifted a shopping spree to a grocery store than a mall any day.

3. Four kids. In college, I nannied for an amazing family that had four children, two boys and two girls. Before meeting them, I wondered if I would even want children...but now I would LOVE four of them and I want them to be exactly like these amazing kiddos. (This picture was from about 4 years ago.)
4. Then, I want the aforementioned four children to be able to go to The University of Texas. ONLY The University of Texas. Sometimes (often) I say to Dan "What if our kids aren't smart enough to get in?! What will we do?!"

5. To tie all of my dreams together I would like to cook, shop for groceries, raise kids and send them to college in the heavenly city of Austin, Texas. I need not say more.Like I said, dreams... If that's the path my life takes, praise God. If it's not, praise God. Regardless, as a girl about to be a wife, it's okay to dream at this time in life. Anyone else out there have an "ultimate" list?

Weekends, Weddings and the English Language.

2010-01-26T17:16:00.009-06:00

Intrigued, are you? I bet...let me start with topic #1: WEEKENDS.

Well, really, just THIS past weekend, that is. One of my MOHs/BFFs swung into town from The Big D (Dallas, not divorce) for two days of wedding planning and hanging out. The second she got here we hit the ground running...first stop was Ruggle's Green on West Alabama for some fuel, then to the Bobbi Brown counter at Nordstrom for a wedding make up makeover. Results below:

Step 1: No make up, just moisturizer.

Step 2: Halfway through, foundation, cheeks and lips.

Step 3: The end result.

(Oh yeah, P.S. I have brown hair now.) I know these aren't the greatest pictures due to the indoor fluorescent lighting but they'll do! I sure hope this looks good outside. I SURE hope I can replicate it! We then headed to El Tiempo with some wonderful guys (Dan and our friend Bradley from high school) and indulged in some memories as well as a giant bowl of queso.

Last stop, Sawyer Park on Washington for a very delicious draft Blue Moon. Doesn't get much better than that... Good friends, good food, good drinks.
The remainder of our weekend was spent vegging out on movies...Jo and I went to see The Blind Side (which, I know I'm preaching to the chorus, was PHENOMENAL). We also rented The Hurt Locker (trying to get in all of the Best Picture "rumored" nominees) and let me tell ya...make sure you're not on edge before watching that movie because it will drive you straight over it. I definitely had a bit of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for the hours after. Regardless, I'll count this weekend as a success! Thank you to Jo for driving ALL the way from Dallas on horrid I-45 to visit little old me!

On to wedding planning...well, I'll keep that one short and just say...thank God for good help. (I suppose weddings didn't deserve a place in the title of this blog and I apologize if you were on pins and needles waiting for an update. Sometimes you're just all.wedding-ed.out.)

And lastly...the English language. Chances are that if you are reading this...you SPEAK, READ AND WRITE the fine language of English. The 21 little munchkins that I work with every day cannot READ OR WRITE English...and let's be honest, some can barely speak it. Pardon my words but damn that English language and thank your lucky stars you've already passed kindergarten. I sit every day with my kids and try to teach them that if a four letter word ends in E and follows the CVCV pattern, then the first vowel says it's name (i.e. kite, bike, late, nose). But what about have and done? And we teach them that the Y says "yuh-yuh-yuh" but what about at the end of try? It sounds like an i. And the G says "guh-guh-guh" but when it's in a word like cage it sounds like a J as in "juh-juh-juh". Seriously...at the end of the day, I feel BAD for my kids. They are 5 and 6 years old and they are supposed to be able to ready and write fluently in four short months! (Don't get me wrong, I've been working on it all year...) I'm just sayin'...I feel for my kiddos. I'm trying my best to teach them this wonderful language but the "creators" didn't think about the jobs of kindergarten teachers when they thought this whole thing up. Otherwise, everything would be in symbols...like smiley faces and stars. Those things make a kindergarten teacher sane...NOT teaching reading and writing. Okay...off my soapbox...enjoy this nice picture of my cute classroom work wall.

All ranting aside...I hope everyone is enjoying their last week of January. May it find you very blessed. XOXO.

The Lower 48

2010-01-21T20:06:00.003-06:00

...states, that is. You see...my cousin, Mel, wrote a blog about the many places in The United States she wants to visit and I have an extreme lack of originality so I will be copying her. But before I do...some updates on life.

A sweet friend of mine, Jenn, got engaged last week to another friend of mine from my childhood! She's a fabulous lady and without a doubt will be planning a fabulous wedding. Congratulations Jenn!

A mere 50 days away before my wedding...invitations were mailed out...ladies and gents, it's-a-happenin'!

School has gotten MUCH easier lately as I've been invited into the cool club of collaborative lesson planning. You see, I am the ONLY English kindergarten teacher in my school that is 75% bilingual. That makes it a tad bit difficult to lesson plan...oh, you know...when the other plans are TAUGHT IN SPANISH. Until now, I've been completely on my own writing 5 days of plans in 5 subjects each week. Now, if you haven't ever taught, let me tell ya...it's about 5-10 extra hours of work a week. (Unpaid work, that is.) My oh-so-wonderful assistant principal found a way that I could be included in the Kindergarten lesson plans so now I am the science planner and I get the rest of my plans from others. Hallelujah. Praise the Lord. I now have a life on the weekends other than lesson planning.

Now...for the title of the blog...the 4 cities in the lower 48 that I want to visit most! 3 of these cities I've been to before but there is a desperate need to return.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Went there when I was 10 and all I remember was a plane hanging from the ceiling from the Smithsonian. With Dan being a big history/government buff, this would be the perfect 4-5 day getaway for us! I'd prefer to visit in the summer or fall when it's not cold and walk as much as we can!

SEATTLE: Lived there for a few months when I was 3 and let me tell ya...I remember NOTHING but the rain! I hear Seattle is kind of Austin-y and quite gorgeous. Would love to take a harbor cruise... This might be a trip for the fall.

CHICAGO: I...love...Chicago. I need to say nothing more. Almost moved there. I spent 3 days there with a friend two years ago and was tempted to not come back. Shopping on Michigan Avenue, the Shedd Aquarium (I love a good animal exhibit), the lake, the tulips that line the streets in the Spring...this might be the first trip (post honeymoon) for Dan and I.

BOSTON: Never been, wanna go walk the cobblestone streets. Wanna see the history. Wanna definitely go in the summer. No thank you, Boston winter. Not a fan of beans but I'll even try some Boston Baked Beans if I can just make it there.

Now...all of these locations CONVENIENTLY can be reached by car. (Lindsey, you're crazy...you wanna drive to Boston FROM HOUSTON?) Why yes, reader, I do...because I hate flying. Any place that can be reached by car is a go for me because if I should chicken out on the way to the airport, I can always gas the car up and head in that direction. Half of the beauty is in getting there...right?

New "Marriage" Resolutions

2010-01-16T09:18:00.004-06:00

Before I get into the aforementioned title of this blog...a few thoughts from this week:

I am a winter time girl but this winter isn't agreeing with me. When I started teaching this fall, I was lucky to not be hit by the elementary school germ fest...no flu, no cold, nothing gross...but come winter...it all hit. I have not felt 100% all winter long. I've had a cold, congestion...oh, and a wonderful little condition called walking pneumonia and nothing ever seems to go away. When I wake up in the mornings, a new symptom is always there to wake me up! So needless to say...I am ready for this winter to just head on out for the year. Adios.
I am increasingly grateful for my family and their help with wedding planning. My mom and two cousins stayed up WAY past our bedtimes (9:30) and addressed wedding invitations this past Monday. They're going out on Wednesday! HOORAY!
With the wedding creeping up...I've got so much left to do! Thankfully there are many people taking a lot of things off my hands. If you don't have people in your lives to help collaborate on a wedding...I sure hope you have a wedding planner because I don't know how else you would do it!
I can't help but find myself glued to CNN every chance I get. Anyone would agree that some of the images you see of the destruction of Haiti are nearly incomprehensible. Still praying daily.

As for my New Marriage Resolutions...well...I decided (along with Dan) on a few resolutions we have beginning 3.13.10.

Inspired by my cousin, Mel: Cook at least 2 vegetarian meals a week. (Dan didn't okay this one yet but since I'm the one that cooks...he better be okay with it!) More vegetables and less meat in life isn't a bad thing. Mel has a great recipe for veggie lasagna on her blog right now that I want to try!
Run a half marathon together! (Yes...my running capacity right now is about 3 miles before I poop out but I'm giving myself a goal.) Dan's naturally a runner and in my dreams, I'm awesome at it. With the Houston Marathon this weekend, my goal is to run the half next year at this time and run the Houston Half Marathon and Relay in October. I'm lucky to have a future-hubs that supports an athletic lifestyle...so much that he got me a membership to 24Hour Fitness in Mid-town this week. 24Cycle and Amp'd Abs here I come. I'll kill you unless you kill me first.
Cook 3-4 meals a week and enough to have leftovers! Dan and I are aiming at eating out only 1 night a week so we're going to need some delicious home cooking courtesy of you-kn0w-who. I've registered for LOTS of cookbooks so we're sure to be eating well. And who knows...maybe Dan's culinary talent will come out?

There you have it...3 marriage resolutions. As for my New Years Resolutions mentioned previously...I'm doing well with the reading and cooking...and the church searching and Bible reading...AND the purging come to think of it! I'm 5 for 5! HUGE accomplishment...I know. 16 days in...so that would make it 4% if the year so far. TAKE THAT 2010.

Coming up this week...

DAY OFF ON MONDAY, thank you Martin Luther King, Jr. We did a lesson on MLK on Friday and one of my cute kids, Jake, put it best: "Ms. Hudson, Martin Luther King was a very nice man I think. And he was handsome."
Welcome dinner at Second Baptist Church to find ways to get plugged in and learn more about their high school ministry that I am hoping to get involved in.
Joanna (MOH and BFF) coming in town this next weekend to take care of many wedding related activities. I've got two fabulous MOH's that just might be more excited about the wedding than I am.
Updating wedding registries: the best way to feel like you decorated your entire house without spending a dime. As I said it before, I'll say it again...I'm going to start a registry every time I feel like I need retail therapy. I'll pretend somebody will buy it for me and go home with the same accomplished feeling sans the bill. Dan will appreciate this way that I contribute to the budget.

May you all have a blessed weekend. And count each one of those blessings. And think of those that have less or nothing. XOXO.

More ways to reach out...

2010-01-14T21:49:00.002-06:00

...to Haiti: Check out Jamie Ivey's blog with ministries, organizations and funds that are legitimate in helping out children and families in Haiti. While you are at it, read about their journey with their two Haitian children, Amos and Story. Pray for this family. Check them out on local Austin news stations: KXAN and KVUE.

Also, HELP HAITI shirts (mentioned in previous post) are now available in kids sizes. Reach out and find a way to be a part of the relief effort from afar. PRAYER may be the greatest thing we can do right now.

Help Haiti, get some duds.

2010-01-13T19:07:00.003-06:00

The tragedy that befell Haiti yesterday is beyond comprehension and truly only God knows the good in the situation at the moment. I have a few ties to Haiti from friends who tried to adopt from there to our church's worship leader who has two Haitian children, one in the states and one still residing in an orphanage in Haiti. There are MANY avenues to reach out and help from across the water to Haiti...here is one:

Check out Aaron Ivey's merchandise store on his site and order a HELP HAITI t-shirt for only $25. ALL proceeds benefit relief in Haiti.

Check out my friend, Jessica's blog for another wonderful opportunity to support relief and ministries in Haiti. And while you are at it, thank the good Lord that you are alive and well and living in a country with a healthcare system that could support a disaster like this. In Haiti, they cannot. Pray fervently for those that are dead, lost, hurting, injured and looking for family. God is sovereign and has Haiti in His hands.

Freezing Friday

2010-01-08T19:19:00.003-06:00

...means staying in, blogging, reading, lesson planning, nail painting and organizing. Ladies and gents, it's under 30 degrees here. Yes, I do know that many parts of this great nation are below zero but frankly, those that live there are used to it...us Texans, however, are not. I will admit, I'm a bit thankful for this cold weather because it gives me an opportunity to stay in and catch up on so many things. Thank you arctic blast for gracing me with your presence...and allowing me to wear many cute scarves.

Frankly, this post is about a whole-lotta-nada. So stop reading now unless you want some very random info scrolling across your screen.

After school today I headed to one of my favorite teacher's stores, Lakeshore, and came across these little pencils.
Very politically correct, yes? "Hey kids, here's some new pencils to color with. Only use them for coloring skin, though." And calling them "People Colors"? REALLY?

Ladies...and, well, mostly ladies...February 25th is right around the corner and this new joint will be opening it's doors. Join me at the doors for a mad rush in. "Hello Nordstrom Rack, meet Houston. Houston, meet the Rack."

Lover of cute stationary? I am! Cute...and cheap... I'm nowhere near fabulous enough to indulge in uber-chic stationary but I do like some customization when I can get it! Feast your eyes on these cuties from Shutterfly. (These won't be used until post-3.13.10...no worries.) They make great gifts and are super fun to customize. You can get free shipping on orders of $40 or more right now so don't wait!

Saw this on the side of the road yesterday...what a shame.

Told ya...a whole lotta nothing in this post. Enjoy your weekend wherever you may be and if it's Texas, put on a cute scarf. XOXO. Oh, and HOOK EM HORNS.

2009 Rewind!

2010-01-05T19:14:00.008-06:00

Hey there...just me...blogging in my new Snuggie! Found myself a mindless questionnaire that takes little to no thought and wanted to post... Too much thinking during the day with 21 kiddos makes for a lazy teacher in the evenings.

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?

Got engaged! Quit a job! Became a teacher!
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I have no idea what they were but I did make 5 this year...I might already be failing at some. (Kick it in gear, Linds!)

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, my friend Paula from work had the most gorgeous little girl, Tatum, in January! Another friend from work gave birth to two kiddos through adoption!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My most wonderful and beloved grandfather, Perk, passed away on March 14th.

5. What countries did you visit?

None...I'm a big scaredy cat and hate flying...here's hoping I visit a new one in 2010...sedatives in tow.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you didn't have in 2009?

A stable, settled life...2009 was a bit of a hectic whirlwind with many changes.

7. What dates from 2009 will be etched upon your memory, and why?

March 14th - death of my grandfather; June 26th - date I got engaged; July 25th - date I moved back to Houston; September 26th - date I started teaching

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?

Accomplishing a dream and becoming a teacher.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not telling people enough how much I love and care for them...letting small moments get away.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

If you would call a chronic cold and walking pneumonia an illness...yes. Oh, and hellacious migraines.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Can't think of a large purchase...hmm...I'm not going to lie but I would have to say all of the dinners out in Austin might be my best purchase.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Dan's - he got into law school and was commissioned as a Navy Reserves Officer.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Personally...no ones! However, I can think of many public figures that left/continue to leave me appalled and depressed.

14. Where did most your money go?

RENT.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Getting married!

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

Fill up my cup...mazeltov! I would say BEP's "Tonight's Gonna Be A Good Night" reminds me most of my friend, Collin's wedding in July and the thousands of times I've heard it since!
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

Happier, about the same and richer due to my new job

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Spend more time...quality time...in conversation.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Worrying about the future.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

With my TWO families!

21. Did you fall in love with 2009?

More in love with my amazing hubby-to-be.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

LOST. Anything on the Food Network.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Not a soul.

24. What was the best book you read?

Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I'm really good at pressing PLAY on my iPod.

26. What did you want and get?

A new career as a teacher.

27. What did you want and not get?

Did NOT want to move away from Austin; did NOT get that.

28. What was your favorite film of 2009?

Where the Wild Things Are

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Turned 25 and had brunch with the cousins, shopped at the Galleria and had dinner with the parents!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Finding a great church already that Dan and I could have gotten plugged in to. A satellite campus of the Austin Stone in Houston.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2009?
Fall into the Gap.

32. What kept you sane?

Dan, parents, family, friends.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Ohhh...to begin answering this question would mean no end.

34. Who did you miss?

Friends in Austin and the community at the Stone.

35. Who was the best new person you met?

My assistant principal...she's been amazing and supportive the past 4 months and has truly guided my year!

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

Love and listen to your grandparents. Cherish ALL time spent with family. It's never too late to do what you want to do with your life.

Our Wedding: The Venue

2010-01-05T18:38:00.006-06:00

It's been quite a while since I've last posted about our wedding but as the time creeps closer, I thought I'd let you in on the fabulous venue we've selected and the story behind it. Dan and I were engaged on June 26...we had our venue booked by June 29. We had our venue booked over the phone and our contract faxed in without even going out for a peek. Why would a bride do such a hasty little thing? Well...that's because we are getting married at Thurman's Mansion at the Salt Lick in Driftwood, Texas. For those that know me, they know there's no meal I love more than Salt Lick barbeque. I've been visiting the Salt Lick since I was in the single digits with my stepfather's side of the family and have since had many family events there including my college graduation. Enter Dan... He too has the same admiration for the Salt Lick. (I think that's the #1 reason he's "the one"...his love of the 'Lick.)

Now, I know what you're thinking...a wedding at a Hill Country barbeque joint? Lindsey, I know you're a casual kinda girl but walking through a smoker isn't how one typically spends their wedding. Enter Thurman's Mansion... Thurman's Mansion is set on a hill above the Salt Lick and is a 7,000 square foot mansion originally intended to be the home of the Roberts family, owners of this fine establishment. Poor Thurman Roberts passed away during the building of the home (may his barbeque loving soul rest in peace) and they transformed the mansion into a stunning venue. Since I was a mere teenager, I dreamt of getting "hitched at the Salt Lick" and as a 25 year old...it's finally happening. (Thank you generous parents.)

The one and only, Thurman's Mansion.

Wedding ceremony under the trees.

A ceremony set at sunset.

Dancing the night away inside the reception area.

The wedding of my dreams to the most amazing man awaits on March 13, 2010. As any bride can attest, this wedding planning business is tough stuff but I know it's worth it come the big day. Pictures of my own will come! XOXO.

This year I resolve to...

2010-01-02T09:37:00.006-06:00

New Year's Resolutions...always tricky...it's almost as if the second you make a list of remarkable changes you want to put in place in your "new" year's lifestyle, you are doomed to failure. I'm an optimist, don't get me wrong! I wonder what the statistics are on the New Year's Resolution phenomenon...regardless...here's my list of 5. I'm not attempting more than 5 because it would surely end in my demise.

1. Read more. In college I was a book fiend...loved going to Barnes and Noble to pick up a new book every week or so. Nevermind that many of those books went half read...I was still a much more avid reader than I am now. My aim will be 12 books in 12 months. I am pathetic if I cannot accomplish that. I'm starting out with the second installment of the Freakonomics books. I thoroughly enjoyed Levitt and Dubner's first book 4 years ago and they finally came out with a follow up. Superfreakonomics...here I come.

2. Cook more...and better. I love cooking. There might be nothing I love more. 2010 will be full of new recipes and cookbooks. (I wonder if it's cheating to count cookbooks as one of my 12 books this year...) I'll start out with Giada's new one that my future in-laws gifted me with for my birthday. They want me to keep their son well fed.

3. Re-establish my close friendship with my Bible. Enough said? Yes.

4. Find a home church. The fact that Dan and I will be in Houston for at least two and a half more years demands that we establish ourselves at a home church rather than living through Austin Stone podcasts every week. Even though I think Dan and I make a great community together, we need community in Houston. This is one resolution that we absolutely cannot fail on.

5. Cleanse and purge...regularly. No, not myself...my belongings. I believe Spring cleaning isn't just for the Spring and it's important to rid yourself of clutter regularly. Otherwise, you become engulfed in THINGS... I'd rather not have a life made out of things. First stop, my closet...it usually makes it's way through the hands of my mother before being bagged up for Goodwill. Second, old apartment belongings. Third, closet again. Just because I have THAT MUCH!

Other items that were close to making the cut were the traditional "get more exercise", blog more, stop biting my cuticles, keep my nails painted... I'll just make those mere goals rather than resolutions.

So there you go...care to keep me accountable? Thank you very much. XOXO.

Trekking across Texas.

2010-01-01T17:28:00.006-06:00

Tonight I find myself back in Houston after a 5 day long trek across some of our favorite parts of Texas: Tyler, Longview and Austin! So many events happened this week that I thought it was worthy of a post to recap it all! But first...here are a few missing birthday pictures from the 27th...

Myself, Mel and Brooke @ Benjy's for brunch.
Myself, grandmother Charlotte & momma @ P.F. Changs for dinner.

Dan & I @ dinner.

On Monday, Dan and I headed out early in the morning for a great week spent with family and friends. We first stopped in Frankston, Texas (southwest of Tyler) to visit my fantastic and wise grandmother, Fern. It is so wonderful to spend time with grandparents...they are infinitely smarter than you and have so much to share. With the passing of my grandfather in March, my time with Fern is much more cherished. We had a small lunch and visited with her for a few hours before heading on to Tyler!

Fern & I in her home.
(Please disregard the significant amount of pictures of me with my glasses. My contacts and I are in a fight right now.)

In Tyler we had a wonderful day and night to visit with Dan's maternal grandparents. They were so gracious to cook us three delicious meals and spoil us rotten with a fabulous Christmas. They are doing their best to prepare us for married life...supplying us with cookware, sheets, blankets, and dishes galore. We are so blessed by them!

After about 24 hours in Tyler, we headed to Longview to spend time with my aunt and uncle and three cousins and were greeted by a new pet mouse! Helloooooo Rufus!

Nothing beats quality time spent with family...no matter what you are doing. My sweet cousins, Samantha and Madelyn, and I spent much of our Wednesday afternoon making fleece blankets! It was such a fun project and much needed in the 30 degree temperatures we had!

Dan joined in on the fun making TWO trips to the fabric store that day to keep smiles on these two girl's faces!

My Uncle Ben will be officiating our wedding in March...and that was the main reason for our visit to Longview...to plan out our ceremony! My aunt and uncle are wonderful, Christ like examples of serving, selfless spouses that Dan and I hope to learn much from throughout our marriage journey. I believe it is extremely important to have strong examples of Christian marriages in order to succeed in your own. We've been blessed to learn much from them thus far and know that the knowledge and wisdom they will impart upon us will be significant and needed. One of Dan's greatest desires before our wedding was to get baptized. He has had a baptism scheduled on many occasions but each time it feel through at our church in Austin. As you should know...God calls you when he wants to and turns your heart at all times...and at 10:00pm on December 30th, Dan was baptized in the backyard of my aunt and uncle's home in Longview by their pastor, Tim. It was such an amazing sight and I am so lucky to have a fiance that wants to live his life serving and honoring God. I am so proud of Dan.

What a true, east Texas baptism...pastor in hunting waders and Dan in a wetsuit.

Dan and I were both sad to leave Longview after such a great visit with family. More family that we've been abundantly blessed with.

Our last stop was Austin for New Years Eve! Dan and I started our day in Austin @ the jewelers picking out my wedding band...and to much sadness, I had to leave my ring there for 3-4 weeks so they could create a custom band to match. It was quite hard to part with but Dan was quick to get me a plain silver band to wear until I get mine back. Whew...wouldn't want any boys getting any ideas... Then we headed to my absolute FAVORITE restaurant, South Congress Cafe, for a delicious NYE meal. Nothing makes me miss Austin more than SoCo. We ended the night with our closest friends @ The Belmont. 2009 was a great year...much happened...I expect that 2010 will be just as wonderful! Happy New Years from the soon-to-be Paschals!

Today, we had our favorite Torchy's Tacos and headed back HOME to Houston. (Yes, I said home to Houston.) With five days away...I was eager to get back to a VERY long to-do list because this teacher has to head back to school in 3 days! EEK!

I hope you all had a blessed, safe and healthy New Years Eve and Day! I'll be kicking it into wedding planning gear as we only have 10 weeks left until the big day! I'm also planning on making a few new year's resolutions and once I get those sorted out I hope to write about them...after all, your chances of keeping them are much greater when publicized. Accountability is key. Until then, XOXO.

Overwhelmed.

2009-12-28T19:13:00.002-06:00

The week of Christmas each year tends to find me very overwhelmed...I shall elaborate as to why... Back in December of 2006, I graduated from UT and had my graduation celebration at The Salt Lick...when leaving dinner I felt a really strong wave of emotion come over me and burst into tears. I was at an emotional HIGH with so many loved ones and friends supporting me that drove from all across Texas to sit through a rather boring ceremony just to see me walk across the stage. I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support that it overcame me and I felt like such an undeserving person to be surrounded by such amazing people in my life. Each December, I tend to have dejavu because in a mere 3 days I am blessed with a wonderful Christmas and then a birthday.

Yesterday, I turned 25 and as I was laying down to sleep I was thinking about the past two days and how incredibly and abundantly God has blessed my life with such wonderful people that I am so undeserving to know. I have quite the loving, giving and thoughtful family...from my parents to siblings to fiance to cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and future in-laws. There is absolutely no way to describe how much I love and appreciate them.

I think that people way too often under appreciate or disregard things that others do for them...and I am guilty of that at some times as well...but I believe, especially at this time of year, you need to tell those people just how much you appreciate and love them and cherish each and every gift they give you or wish they have for you or minute that they spend with you.

Being overwhelmed like I am at times like these is a blessing...it's a good thing...a very good thing. But most importantly it is a strong reminder that we should never take people for granted. People over things.

To everyone who made the past two days wonderful for me. I love and cherish each and every one of you.

Happy birthday egg nog tiramisu & blood orange mimosas @ Benjy's

Shrimp & goat cheese grits with a fried egg = Divine.
Cousin/sister, Brooke...(pic taken by cousin/sister Mel)

Card from Dan...meant for a 1 year old but purchased for me because he knows I love giraffes.And this picture is non-related but I couldn't help but post...picture one of my kiddos drew of a fabulous kids movie. Wonder if you can guess these charming characters?)
(More pictures to come in the next post...been using Dan's camera because his is 100x better than mine but I don't have the cord at the moment. We are currently trekking across East Texas visiting family and ending the week in Austin so I am 100% confident that I'll have great pictures.)

Random musings from a psychotic bride...

2009-12-22T20:47:00.003-06:00

Today is wedding overload day. WAY overload. I left my house at 7am...drove to Austin...meetings, meetings, stuffing myself with Salt Lick, more meetings...and found myself back in Sugar Land by 7pm. Flowers: check. Linens: check. Centerpieces: check. Layout: check. Ensuring that Salt Lick is still delicious: check. Cake: check.

What is NOT checked off...oh, let's see...DJ, alcohol, favors, gifts, earrings, exit sparklers, ceremony layout, programs... Oh, and most certainly NOT the invitations because a certain not-to-be-mentioned invitation store shipped me my invitations today NOTICEABLY UN-CENTERED. This store is just SO lucky I am not dropping their name here because I have a whole 10 people who read my blog...my bad press could DESTROY their store...news of this travesty would be in Europe by morning.

In other news...I need these earrings to complete my wedding day outfit. What I do NOT need is the price tag.

In still other news...tomorrow will be another whirlwind day with my mother running across Houston with our heads cut off in search of wedding odds-and-ends.

I am only getting married once...and it may only be for the simple reason that there is no way I could plan two weddings in a life time. Teehee...so funny. Or not. On a side note: wedding planners...you must all be alcoholics because this wedding planning business is going to drive me to drink.

Like I said, random musings from a psychotic bride...

And so this is life...

2009-12-20T21:31:00.003-06:00

Oh. My. Goodness. Where does time go? It goes to school and lesson planning and party planning and Christmas shopping and apartment searching and wedding planning and travel planning. My apologies if you are a blog reader...I have been MIA and plan on making a gallant effort to jump back on the blogging bandwagon over the holidays. Because this teacher has TWO WEEKS OFF and although I have just about every day planned, I can certainly squeeze in some blog action.

Where to begin...I wrapped up school for the semester with a cute end of the year party with my kiddos on Friday the 18th. They were so excited and fired up for pizza, cookies, presents and movies. Now, I do admit I failed as a festive teacher because my classroom decorations consisted of a paper tree and garlands I had the kids make. L-A-Z-Y Ms. Hudson... I am still overjoyed to be teaching my 21 students and have loved every minute of it. Every. Stressful. Minute. Below are two pics from Friday...first, my makeshift Christmas tree (and my "Welcome Fall" sign...hello Ms. Hudson...get it together) and a note from my hardest student's mother. This is why I am a teacher. Nothing gets better than this.

This holiday break will consist of a trip to Austin on Tuesday and Wednesday with my mom for wedding planning...flowers, cakes, linens, centerpieces, oh my! My family celebrated our annual Timme Family gift exchange on Saturday night with a smaller crowd than usual. It's just not the same unless the whole rowdy crew is there but we did the best with what we had...and came up with an amazing Italian feast in which every.single.dish contained some kind of cheese. We also celebrated with our signature Timme-tinis!

I also had the great opportunity to go to a cute ornament exchange with my friend Jenn @ her friend, Danielle's! Gotta love meeting new girls in the Houston area.

Speaking of friends...I can count my girlfriends in Houston on 4 fingers. Two of those fingers belong to my cousins, Brooke and Mel. Family does make the best friends, right? I say yes. Maybe my goal for the rest of 2009 will be to add a 5th friend to the list!

Dan and I went apartment "browsing" today and found over 25 complexes that we would be interested in. We narrowed our search down to The Museum District and Allen Parkway/Memorial area as our #1 location(s)...Midtown and Rice Village are close behind. My cousin and Houston's most fantastic realtor Mel, will be helping us with her expertise in our search.

The rest of the holiday will be quite a whirlwind...Austin, back to Houston for Christmas, my birthday (25...REALLY?), then off to Tyler, Longview and Austin for New Year's Eve!

Until next time...I hope you all are enjoying and celebrating the true reason for the season and rejoicing that unto us, a savior is born.

An Open Letter to the City of Houston

2009-12-20T20:55:00.002-06:00

Dear Houston, Texas:

You're growing on me...yes you are. You're not such a bad place, you see...you have many, many amenities in a city that this gal loves. Each day I find something new I like about you so I would like to formally apologize for anything malicious I've ever said about you. You have good intentions and are trying to be very welcoming to me. Here are the reasons we are now becoming friends:

Your food: Every week I find a new fabulous place in which I can add some meat to my bones and indulge in my first true love. Max's Wine Dive...you've got the most decadent Max and Cheese ever. Lupe Tortilla...you can't beat your fajitas. The Tasting Room...we've only met once but your Mushroom and Truffle Oil pizza is divine...oh, and your wine isn't so bad either. The Black Labrador...your cozy British pub has one amazing Shepherd's Pie.

Your shopping: Austin has NOTHING on Houston shopping. Sorry...it just can't compete. From the Galleria to Gray to the Village, I love each and every shopping mecca you have.

Your neighborhoods (which will soon become my home): You can drive down one single street in the city and within 15 minutes pass through Bellaire, West University, the Museum District and the Med Center. One sure thing about you, Houston...you don't like the area you're in...just keep driving and in a few miles the scenery will change.

Houston, in about 2 months, you will be my new official address. (Too bad I just missed the mayor elections...) I plan on enjoying your outdoors (YES, Houston has parks and they are quite pretty actually). I plan on finding new eateries every day. And your traffic...psh...I don't care about your traffic. All it takes is a patient person to remedy the traffic situation in Houston. I have a wonderful job in HISD and get to serve some great kiddos of this city. Dan gets to attend your fine university for Law School. Really...you're giving us quite a bit to look forward to.

So...point is...let's make up, Houston. Let's be friends. I know you never hated on me because you simply wouldn't do that and I've now apologized. There's nothing holding us back from living happily ever after. (And by ever after, I mean the next two years until we move back to Austin.) Best friends? Thank you.

XOXO,
Lindsey

Totally Gleeking out.

2009-12-02T17:43:00.003-06:00

Have I mentioned previously on this blog about my love and complete adoration for the Fox hit Glee? If not, let me just say that my love has abundantly increased since I've been serenading myself on my drive to work with the soundtrack. And now...soundtrack #2 comes out next Tuesday! These kids can belt out Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" and Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" dare I say BETTER than the originals?! If you are not yet a Gleek, I suggest you tuning into Fox at 8:00 on Wednesday nights for a looksie. I'm even obsessed to the point that a friend and I are trying to find local Houston high school glee club performances to go see...don't laugh. Welp...there's my quick opinion on this show, their talented actors/singers as well as their very entertaining soundtrack.

I'm not going to say more than two sentences about this next issue besides that I am very, very sad about the "happenings" lately involving Tiger Woods. His family needs a lot of prayers right now.

Things I'm very excited about:

I'm looking at my wedding invitation proofs RIGHT NOW and I love them!
Only 12 more days of class left!
The Houston Children's Museum is AMAZING! Took my class on a field trip today...that place has everything for every kid. Would I be weird if I went back myself without a kid!? Hey, that place could teach an adult like me a thing or two.
The Faberge Exhibit at the HMNS - going with Brooke and Mel on the 18th!
The brrrrrcoldbrrrr weather hitting Houston!

Enjoy your evening readers! I'm settling in for Glee!

Life as seen from a camera phone.

2009-11-29T19:45:00.000-06:00

I've previously vented about my lack of pictures from the past two weeks due to my camera memory card mishap...so what will follow is a menagerie of camera pictures from my last week or two. This post will also include three other items added to my wishlist for the holidays and my "deep" thoughts about Texas (as in THE University of Texas) football versus NFL (read: Texans) football. I also spent two days frolicking around Fredericksburg with family so read all about it, folks.

First, Fredericksburg...who doesn't love that amazing hill country town? Cute stores, good food, pretty drive, massive granite "hill" sticking out of the ground (a.k.a. Enchanted Rock) and some of the world's best people watching. I spent Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving in F-berg with my mother, two aunts and four cousins just wandering about the town. It was nice, relaxing (except the massive rock climbing part) and a wonderful way to spend time with family. (If I haven't quite mentioned it enough...God was VERY good to me in blessing me with one fantastic family.) So, from Fredericksburg, I have two pictures...one of Hondo's (if you don't know Hondo's, you don't know the Burg) and one of the most fabulous sign I found at one of the stores...motivation for Dan and I to get our booties back to Austin ASAP. (Dear Mel, I am sorry if this sign offends you. I love the Houston YOU know and love.)
Since my blog likes to upload pictures in whatever order it pleases...next comes my additional wishlist items. Each year I scour for a good deal on an ivory pea coat and each year I am a miserable failure. But alas, I found this one at Gap that I would love to add to my closet. Dear Santa, your elves can create Gap clothes from scratch, correct?

What stylish Texas Longhorn doesn't need this feminine scarf in winter cider for cheering on the Horns in the Big XII or perhaps National Championship game?

And lastly...a girl can never have too many wallets. I am in need of this handy Vera Bradley "Symphony in Hue" one to add to my collection.

And lastly readers...I come to you with my "expert" opinion on college football versus professional football. And by expert, I mean my lone little opinion that merits NO expertise except for my personal experiences at both college and professional football games within the past week.

Exhibit A: The University of Texas Longhorns vs. Kansas @ DKR Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 21 @ 7:00pm. Significant details include: Colt McCoy's record setting game as the winningest quarterback in NCAA football history; also Senior Day; also Texas' last homegame of the 2009 season; also the game we went 11-0 for the season.
In the air you smell sulfur from the Cowboys cannon as well as a mixture of hotdogs and whiskey (smuggled in by frat boys in their Lucchese boots under their oh-too-tight Wranglers). You see the largest crowd ever in DKR holding up their horns as Texas goes to kick off to Kansas to start the game. You see a sea of burnt orange and realize that this shade of orange was NOT created by Crayola...it was created (and trademarked) by UT. You hear the melodious singing of "Texas Fight, Texas Fight, Go Horns Go" (or the oh-so-popular version "Texas Fight, Texas Fight, OU Sucks"). You taste your delicious Starbucks latte (because, YES, we do have a Starbucks INSIDE our stadium) along with the mustard left over on your fingers from your hotdog. The air is absolutely electric and there is no greater feeling of pride than knowing you graduated from this prestigious university and will forever be a Texas Ex. Your eyes well up with tears as you see Colt, Jordan, Roddrick and the other seniors take their last lap around DKR knowing that their headed for a National Championship. You see the Kansas fan behind you making friends with the 60+ years old Texas Ex he's sitting next to because Texas fans are respectful and welcoming. To add to that you have Mack Brown with a big goofy grin, Bevo standing for his school (sedated or not), one helluva nice stadium, the Godzillatron, Big Bertha, the Showband of the Southwest, the voice of Walter Cronkite, and a burnt orange tower in the skyline. Ladies and gentlemen, there is no greater feeling of pride than this. I am a proud Texas Longhorn.

Exhibit B: The Houston Texans vs. the Tennessee Titans @ Reliant Stadium on Monday, November 23rd @ 7:30pm. Significant details include: Live on Monday Night Football; Vince Young starting QB for the Titans; also the last chance for the Texans to hold on to a playoff worthy record.

After you FINALLY make it into the stadium after sitting on Fannin for and hour and fifteen minutes and are forced to park on a curb due to Reliant running out of parking in your reserved lot, you make it into the gigantic open roofed stadium and hear the thunderous cheers from tipsy Texans fans who are celebrating the first touchdown of the game...that you missed. You decide your going to need a decent beverage to make it through the game amongst the unruly fans so you purchase a $10 Blue Moon draft and find your seat among the 400+ sections of the stadium. You immediately find yourself sitting between middle aged men who've (intelligently) left their wives at home so they can cause a "ruckus" at the Texans game. Three rows ahead of you, you spot a light blue Titans jersey with the number 10 on it...yes, a VY fan. There is a God. You are not alone in this sea of red. Touchdown Titans! You find yourself standing while the men around you boo your personal hero, VY. They shout "No one likes you Vince Young! Go back to college!" to which you proudly say "HEY, I like Vince!" The men behind you are yelling explicit vocabulary at the players on the field who 1. do not hear them, and 2. do not care one bit what they have to say as long as their fan money is going into their pocket. Your senses are overwhelmed with advertisements and money signs and realize that you aren't at DKR anymore. You're at the NFL. And the NFL is missing something. The teams go touchdown for touchdown, neck and neck until the end of the game where the Titans win by a field goal, 20-17. Thank you Vince, you've done it again. You've lead your team to a victory against a team that COULD HAVE had you if they had been smart enough to draft you back in 2006. Houstonians, do not become enraged with me. I like you Houstonians...I do not like you when you turn into drunk, curt, rude Texans fans.

And with that...I end this post.