Happy Trick or Treating!

Important- I need your help!

I need your help! As you all know, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which means we want as many people as possible involved in the efforts to educate others. I would like to ask you to become part of a campaign that supports ending violence.

The "Say NO to Violence against Women campaign," is helping to break the silence and give a voice to women and girls who have experienced violence. They are trying to collect 1 million names by November 25.

Please consider joining me in these efforts. Scroll all the way to the very end of my blog and you'll see a place where you can type your name and your email. You can also embed this widget into your own blog or myspace/ facebook page.

Thanks for your help!

Use at Your Own Risk

Like many Americans, Jeremy and I spent our Saturday afternoon in the laundromat. Oh the excitement! It was hot, stinky, icky, and a little bit boring. But seriously, is the sign necessary?!?! What kinds of risks are associated with drying and washing your clothes? It makes you wonder about being at a laundromat in the first place.

The great thing is all your washing gets done at the same time. The not so great thing- your clothes never get completely dry.

That means every possible bar or flat surface in our home become drying racks- bar to hang clothes, bathtub sides, over all doors, shelves, counter tops, etc.

A diamond is forever.

At the age of 67 and performing for over 40 years, Neil Diamond is a legend! While I can't say that I am a true, devoted Diamond fan, I can say that when the opportunity arose to see Diamond live in concert for free, I couldn't pass that up.

Someone donated over a 100 free tickets to the YWCA, which was a really nice treat for all of our staff. We had a great time and enjoyed singing along to "Sweet Caroline" and "America"- those were the only 2 songs that most of us knew!

We were pretty close in proximity, but unfortunately we were at the back of the stage. So, we pretty much just stared at the back of Neil, the band, and back up singers. But who can complain? The tickets were free.

For someone on the brink of 70, Diamond is a fantastic performer. During the concert, we tried to hypothesize about the "Neil Diamond" of our generation. We were having trouble coming up with anyone. A few suggestions: Justin Timberlake, New Kids on the Block, Britney Spears, John Mayer? Any thoughts???

Mari, Tiffany, me, Jessica, & Karla

Me and JTW

Tiffany & I

our view of the stage- see Neil?!?!

Bikes and Boo Boos!

After spending the weekend at my parent's and riding their bikes, we decided to take the plunge and make our own investment into the bicycles.

We went to the bike shop and listened to the guy give the pros and cons of all the different makes and models. Bottom line- we had no idea what he was talking about. We pretty much just went on his recommendation and loaded them in the car. But not without getting our sexy little helmets and an attachable water bottle!

As soon as we got home, I was ready to ride! Jeremy went inside to change into shorts and I decided to take my first spin around the neighborhood. I walked the bike down our sloping driveway and hopped on. Then, I promptly fell over and into the street and I ended with a little boo boo on my knee! Seriously, I hadn't even ridden it for a second before I fell off! Luckily, Jeremy didn't see. I'm sure there was a nosy neighbor looking out a window that saw the entire incident, but I'll never know, since we don't know our neighbors!

Ouch!

So professional looking!

As an aside, please note that both Jeremy and I are supporting Baylor, despite their unfortunate loss to OSU. We are not fair weather fans (at least me) and we will continue to back the bears! It's a building year . . .

Family Fun in A-town

Jeremy, Ivy, and I headed to Abilene to hang out with my family and meet Sarah's family. Our first stop was HSU! Sarah was nominated for Homecoming Queen at HSU, so we went by to see her ceremony. Only 5 girls were chosen as finalist, so it was an honor to make it as far as she did!

She didn't win, but she was definitely the best dressed! I might be a little biased, because my mom made her white dress. Doesn't it look awesome?!?!

Ethan & Sarah

Sarah, Ethan, mom and me (I know- I look like total crap.
It was 11:30pm and I had been in the car for 5 hours!).

We all slept in a little bit on Saturday morning and then, we headed to Copper Creek to have lunch with Sarah and her family. It was a delicious lunch with great conversation. My mom and I met Melissa at a few local Abilene stores to do a little shopping. It was nice to catch up with Melissa!


After lunch and shopping, it was time for the bike riding! My parents recently purchased bikes to prepare for the Red Dirt Challenge (in May)- I'll have more on that later. They showed Jeremy and I the ropes and we took turns riding the bikes. It was pretty fun! I'm sold on getting a bike- I'm not sure that Jeremy is on board . . .

Jeremy, Ivy, and I had a wonderful weekend with MaeMae and Doc. It was so nice to eat some home-cooked meals and get caught up on laundry! My mom isn't the hugest dog fan, but I can tell Ivy is growing on her. She took Ivy out every morning, so that Jeremy and I could sleep late. I think Ivy likes her, too!

Ivy is also crazy about Ethan. He lives at the guest house, right by my parents. Every time Ivy heard the rumble of Ethan's truck- coming or going- she ran to the door and started whining. She didn't want him to go anywhere without her!

These Shoes Were Made for Walkin'?

Both Jeremy and I had very busy weeks at work and I had to attend a sexual assault training all day Saturday and Jeremy went in to work on close. By Saturday evening, I was completely exhausted!

A friend of Jeremy's from work, gave him 2 tickets to a VIP charity event (the value was $100/each). Jeremy thought we should go to the event, since we had free tickets and it was supposed to be really fun. I, on the other hand, did not want to go. I was just so tired and the last thing I wanted to do was put on a fancy dress and get all "fixed up." But Jeremy made the argument that we don't get out nearly enough and if it wasn't fun, we could just leave. After going back and forth for 30 minutes, I gave in and started getting ready. Took a shower, straightened my hair, got out the fancy jewelry, etc.

We are running a little bit late, but we figure the event is kind of a come and go. Jeremy's friend had texted him earlier in the day to let him know that she couldn't come. As we get closer to the event, cars are parked everywhere- along the sides of the road, in the grass, it's ridiculous. I'm thinking this must be one heck of a charity event!

But then, I see that no one is dressed all fancy. In fact, some people are not even wearing bras with their halter tops, flip-flops, and cut off shorts. No one is even remotely dressed nicely! Just to remind you- I'm in a little black dress and heels! I tell Jeremy that I can not get out of the car- I'm completely over dressed. After we park our car in a grassy/ dirt field, Jeremy assures me that all these people are not attending the VIP event, as they would not all have paid $100 per ticket. I'm extremely skeptical. After a lot of convincing on Jeremy's part, I finally get out of the car and start walking towards the entrance.

I walked past tons of people- all of them giving me questioning looks. You know what they were thinking! We finally get to the lady directing people and she asks if we are here for the river cruise. No, Jeremy tells her- we are here for the VIP event. Oh- that was last night! WHAT?!?!

That's right- printed neatly on our tickets 10.03.2008! So, we traipse back to our car in our fancy clothes, right past all the people in wife-beaters, tanks, and mini-skirts.

And luckily, I have a wonderful husband, who took me to a very fancy dinner. Not so much free, but really great all the same!