I've had plenty of time to reflect on the many things I am thankful for this year. Although I'm not a big fan of holidays and huge get-togethers, this year has me nostalgic in a different way. Instead of spending this time wishing I could change all of the things that I don't like, I'll take a moment to reflect on all of the positivity that has occurred in my life, shaping who I am.
I am thankful for my mom, who made her life a struggle so mine wouldn't be. I am thankful for all of the things that she did that go unrecognized, such as maintaining my mental and physical health. I fully believe I would not be the person that I am today without having such a strong role model in my life.
I am thankful for my sister Melanie, who has been not only a sister but a best friend throughout the years. I'm thankful for the things that we've experienced together and also those separate experiences that we can both learn from. I know she is always there for me whether I need to laugh or cry (or, like many times, both).
I'm thankful for my older brothers, Joshua and Jonathan and my younger step-brother, Joseph. They often keep me in touch with the male perspective, making me both laugh and glad to be a woman. Without my brothers, I would not be as well rounded a person.
I'm thankful for my step-father, who came into my life at a time that I was rebellious and unmanageable! He still loved me and showed me what it was like to have a supportive father. Jeff made my wedding so special by walking me down the aisle and handing me off to my wonderful husband.
I am thankful for Tracie and Dale Singleton, who are wonderful parents for my niece Bethany. I cannot imagine a better home for Bethany and am so thankful for her wonderful family.
I'm thankful for modern medicine for making things happen that were otherwise not possible. I'm thankful for my job and my supportive co-workers and supervisor. I'm thankful for my beautiful home, my car that always starts, my friends and family that are always there when I need them, and my animals that always make me smile.
Lastly, I am so thankful for my husband Scott, without whom I would not be as sane as I am right now! Scott is my best friend, my rock, and the love of my life. I couldn't ask for more.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
LSU vs Tulane
Scott and I had the opportunity to sit in the Tiger Den Suites. We hosted Scott's customer's niece from Scott's Fence and wined and dined courtesy of AT&T. I haven't been feeling well this whole weekend, but the buffet and ice cream cooler in the suite definitely helped!
Here are a few pictures from the game:
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
weekend warrior
The weather has been beautiful in Baton Rouge this past week. Saturday, Scott and I thought it would be nice to have a change of scenery for our usual run. When we lived in Southdowns, the LSU lakes were right around the corner -- so they were an every week place to go exercise.
The thing is, it's been a long time since I've run as many as four miles... at least five years. Scott and I run about 2 miles at a time, and pretty easily, but still, four?
We ran the entire "big" lake (4 miles) Saturday afternoon. It was exhilarating to find that we could do it! The rest of the evening Saturday we were both feeling great. At some point, I decided it would be a good idea to do it again Sunday, and Scott agreed! We were going to do it again!
Sunday morning we ate brunch at Kingfish and went on our run around 3. At the beginning of the run, I noticed my muscles were still tired from Saturday's run. A mile or so in, I realized that brunch wasn't the best idea. About three miles in, I realized my underpronating was causing some pain in my left foot. I guess I thought it would go away... and when it didn't, there wasn't much I could do about it anyway! We finished the four miles at only 2 miles slower than the day before. The second run was much harder, but I was so proud of myself for being able to do it!
It looks like it may be a while until I am able to run again. I am hobbling around on a mildly sprained left ankle. Fortunately I am able to wear flats to work! Unfortunately, I still have to walk around school all day to see my clients. Tonight I'm skipping our Tuesday night boot camp class at the YMCA... hopefully tomorrow we'll be at the lakes again!
The thing is, it's been a long time since I've run as many as four miles... at least five years. Scott and I run about 2 miles at a time, and pretty easily, but still, four?
We ran the entire "big" lake (4 miles) Saturday afternoon. It was exhilarating to find that we could do it! The rest of the evening Saturday we were both feeling great. At some point, I decided it would be a good idea to do it again Sunday, and Scott agreed! We were going to do it again!
Sunday morning we ate brunch at Kingfish and went on our run around 3. At the beginning of the run, I noticed my muscles were still tired from Saturday's run. A mile or so in, I realized that brunch wasn't the best idea. About three miles in, I realized my underpronating was causing some pain in my left foot. I guess I thought it would go away... and when it didn't, there wasn't much I could do about it anyway! We finished the four miles at only 2 miles slower than the day before. The second run was much harder, but I was so proud of myself for being able to do it!
It looks like it may be a while until I am able to run again. I am hobbling around on a mildly sprained left ankle. Fortunately I am able to wear flats to work! Unfortunately, I still have to walk around school all day to see my clients. Tonight I'm skipping our Tuesday night boot camp class at the YMCA... hopefully tomorrow we'll be at the lakes again!
Monday, October 12, 2009
recent happenings
This week was the best and worst week I've had for quite some time. The work week was long and exhausting, and I agreed to administer the GRE on Saturday morning at 7:15. 7:15am after a long week?! What was I thinking when I agreed to that?!
Fortunately, I had a fun weekend to balance out the exhausting week. Scott and I decided to stay on campus Saturday morning after the test. We ate at Inga's and then went to Tiger District to buy some shirts for the gold game. We didn't get tickets for the game -- it's difficult to convince someone to give you tickets to the LSU vs. Florida game -- but we had a good time hanging out on campus until the AT&T party on the terrace of the journalism building.
After getting our VIP passes and enjoying some of the delicious catering from Cef Don Bergeron (who also happens to be a client of Scott's, as we found out that day), we ran into James Carville and snapped a few pictures.
It is likely that I was the only non-important person that was photographed with him on this day. Everyone else looked pretty important and the photos were taken by a professional photographer with the "handshake" (you know, the slow handshake with the smile at the camera... perfect photo op?). I snuck in and just told him I wasn't very important but was a big fan, and he graciously took a photo with me.
The view from the terrace was wonderful -- we were in between the stadium and the PMAC. I didn't enjoy too much of the view, though, as I was more interested in sitting in a chair at a table for the first time throughout the tailgating process :) The food and open bar treated us well, and we enjoyed watching the sea of gold gathering around the stadium as our city prepared for the football players to come through.
I know in my lifetime I've seen this before, but we had a really great view of the players in their suits walking down to the stadium. We were surrounded by LSU foundation donors, Exxon lobbyists, and many other people who traveled hundreds of miles to attend this party on the terrace and watch LSU play Florida in Tiger Stadium. It was a great time!!
Eventually, the ticket holders were separated from the non-ticket holders, and I took one photo with Kimberly before she and her husband went to their club seats in the stadium. We're hoping to attend a Saints game in the AT&T suite next month.
We had the opportunity to visit with my oldest friend Camila and her wonderful family on Sunday morning. Camila and Michael recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Mason Wiltcher. This was my first time to see Mason and he is just perfect. I would have snapped a photo with Camila, but she was very tired and I didn't want to make her self-conscious by playing paparazzi! (Although it would have come out beautifully, I am sure!) We'll have to make sure to take one next time... don't know when it will be, but hoping it's not too long!!!!
Fortunately, I had a fun weekend to balance out the exhausting week. Scott and I decided to stay on campus Saturday morning after the test. We ate at Inga's and then went to Tiger District to buy some shirts for the gold game. We didn't get tickets for the game -- it's difficult to convince someone to give you tickets to the LSU vs. Florida game -- but we had a good time hanging out on campus until the AT&T party on the terrace of the journalism building.
After getting our VIP passes and enjoying some of the delicious catering from Cef Don Bergeron (who also happens to be a client of Scott's, as we found out that day), we ran into James Carville and snapped a few pictures.
It is likely that I was the only non-important person that was photographed with him on this day. Everyone else looked pretty important and the photos were taken by a professional photographer with the "handshake" (you know, the slow handshake with the smile at the camera... perfect photo op?). I snuck in and just told him I wasn't very important but was a big fan, and he graciously took a photo with me.
The view from the terrace was wonderful -- we were in between the stadium and the PMAC. I didn't enjoy too much of the view, though, as I was more interested in sitting in a chair at a table for the first time throughout the tailgating process :) The food and open bar treated us well, and we enjoyed watching the sea of gold gathering around the stadium as our city prepared for the football players to come through.
I know in my lifetime I've seen this before, but we had a really great view of the players in their suits walking down to the stadium. We were surrounded by LSU foundation donors, Exxon lobbyists, and many other people who traveled hundreds of miles to attend this party on the terrace and watch LSU play Florida in Tiger Stadium. It was a great time!!
Eventually, the ticket holders were separated from the non-ticket holders, and I took one photo with Kimberly before she and her husband went to their club seats in the stadium. We're hoping to attend a Saints game in the AT&T suite next month.
We had the opportunity to visit with my oldest friend Camila and her wonderful family on Sunday morning. Camila and Michael recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Mason Wiltcher. This was my first time to see Mason and he is just perfect. I would have snapped a photo with Camila, but she was very tired and I didn't want to make her self-conscious by playing paparazzi! (Although it would have come out beautifully, I am sure!) We'll have to make sure to take one next time... don't know when it will be, but hoping it's not too long!!!!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
playing catch up
Here is a video of Scott on the news from the Balloon festival a few months ago...
I know it's a little late, but I finally recorded it on my camera!
We had a very busy weekend!
Saturday afternoon we visited the brick garden at the Crisis Intervention Center. A few years ago, I planted an engraved brick in honor of my middle school friend, James Carmichael, who died by suicide. This week has been an emotional one for many reasons... on one hand, it feels like yesterday that he died (although it has been 13 years); on the other, so much has happened since then. Visiting the brick garden with Scott was a peaceful way to remember.
Later that evening, we enjoyed a bottle of wine at the Wine Loft downtown. We don't ever go out on weekends, so it was nice to get dressed up and go on a date!
This morning we ate breakfast at New York Bagel before heading to New Orleans. Our first stop was the Aquarium of the Americas. After acting like children and taking a ton of photos, we walked to the French Quarter for a bite to eat. We did a little shopping and headed home.
Our visit to the Aquarium of the Americas
Spotted eel
I was obviously a foot too tall for this photo opportunity...
Eating at Cafe Maspero
sweet ride outside of Harrah's
I know it's a little late, but I finally recorded it on my camera!
We had a very busy weekend!
Saturday afternoon we visited the brick garden at the Crisis Intervention Center. A few years ago, I planted an engraved brick in honor of my middle school friend, James Carmichael, who died by suicide. This week has been an emotional one for many reasons... on one hand, it feels like yesterday that he died (although it has been 13 years); on the other, so much has happened since then. Visiting the brick garden with Scott was a peaceful way to remember.
Later that evening, we enjoyed a bottle of wine at the Wine Loft downtown. We don't ever go out on weekends, so it was nice to get dressed up and go on a date!
This morning we ate breakfast at New York Bagel before heading to New Orleans. Our first stop was the Aquarium of the Americas. After acting like children and taking a ton of photos, we walked to the French Quarter for a bite to eat. We did a little shopping and headed home.
Our visit to the Aquarium of the Americas
Spotted eel
I was obviously a foot too tall for this photo opportunity...
Eating at Cafe Maspero
sweet ride outside of Harrah's
Thursday, September 3, 2009
austin vacay
Scott and I went on a weekend getaway to Austin, Texas. It was a very last minute trip, but we had a ton of fun! Here are some things we did while we were there:
These are the rowboats at the Texas Rowing Center on Lake Austin
Beautiful Lake Austin
Mount Bonnell
University of Texas
At a wine bar in the warehouse district
The Story of Texas Museum... we didn't go, but we enjoyed the IMAX theater inside :)
My sweet husband
Texas State Capitol
We rented cruisers and rode through Austin
Waiting to eat dinner in soco (South Congress)
Scott and me at the Oasis on Lake Travis
These are the rowboats at the Texas Rowing Center on Lake Austin
Beautiful Lake Austin
Mount Bonnell
University of Texas
At a wine bar in the warehouse district
The Story of Texas Museum... we didn't go, but we enjoyed the IMAX theater inside :)
My sweet husband
Texas State Capitol
We rented cruisers and rode through Austin
Waiting to eat dinner in soco (South Congress)
Scott and me at the Oasis on Lake Travis
Sunday, August 9, 2009
our hot air balloon date
okay, not actually a date in a hot air balloon... :)
we went to the balloon festival on saturday night and scott was on the news! i'll have to figure out how to record it to a video (i have it saved on DVR but it's not online) so when i do, i'll post it here... until then, enjoy the snapshots!
we went to the balloon festival on saturday night and scott was on the news! i'll have to figure out how to record it to a video (i have it saved on DVR but it's not online) so when i do, i'll post it here... until then, enjoy the snapshots!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Working on our list!
For a refresher, here are the things still on our home "to do" list:
Paint office -- done
Paint laundry room -- done
Paint pantry -- done
Paint master closets -- done
Paint master bath
Paint guest bath
Replace fixtures in guest bath
Replace mirror in guest bath
Replace toilet seat in guest bath
Replace shower head in guest bath
Figure out what's wrong with guest toilet (done) and fix it (not done)
Fix drains in guest bath
Paint outdoor arch (done!!)
Replace frilly curtains on front door--done!!
Replace light in kitchen
Add mechanical arm to iron gate -- DONE!
Repair grout in kitchen
Caulk cracks near roof
Remove huge ugly Sago palm -- finally done!!
Clean dryer vent --done!
Replace ridge vents
Remove attic vent and patch hole (we just fixed it)
Remove tree close to house (we are trimming it and not removing it)
Plant trees to replace all of the stuff we're removing :) (done!! we planted two!)
Paint hallway
Before
Way up high on the ladder
See how good he is?
Paint office -- done
Paint laundry room -- done
Paint pantry -- done
Paint master closets -- done
Paint master bath
Paint guest bath
Replace fixtures in guest bath
Replace mirror in guest bath
Replace toilet seat in guest bath
Replace shower head in guest bath
Figure out what's wrong with guest toilet (done) and fix it (not done)
Fix drains in guest bath
Paint outdoor arch (done!!)
Replace frilly curtains on front door--done!!
Replace light in kitchen
Add mechanical arm to iron gate -- DONE!
Repair grout in kitchen
Caulk cracks near roof
Remove huge ugly Sago palm -- finally done!!
Clean dryer vent --done!
Replace ridge vents
Remove attic vent and patch hole (we just fixed it)
Remove tree close to house (we are trimming it and not removing it)
Plant trees to replace all of the stuff we're removing :) (done!! we planted two!)
Paint hallway
Before
Way up high on the ladder
See how good he is?
Monday, July 27, 2009
scotty's eclair cake
Scott's mom made him this yummy eclair cake for his birthday! I'm so glad she makes it every year because it's his favorite and I'll probably never make it for him :)
Visiting the "Bug Zoo"
Scott's 27th birthday was full of surprises! On Friday, I told him we were ordering from Duang Tawan, a Thai restaurant here in BR. I even faked the call-in order and we waited for 45 minutes before going to pick it up. In the meantime, my mom and step-dad were rushing through traffic to get there and grab a table. When we got there, Scott thought they were just enjoying a Friday night dinner... I had to tell him to go sit down with them and that it was a surprise!
Saturday morning we drove to New Orleans to meet up with our good friends Ashley and Jeremy. We met at GordonBiersch and enjoyed lunch and a few unique brews. Then we were off to the Insectarium (which Scott fondly called the "Bug Zoo" -- which made me laugh until I cried).
I'm not sure that I recommend the bug zoo for young adults without children... but it was still entertaining. The atmosphere was very childlike and not as enjoyable as the aquarium, but fun nonetheless. Having Jeremy and Ashley with us made it much more fun! We ate cricket pancakes and watched videos and got face-to-face with roaches... I was not a bug person before the experience, and my feelings did not change at all!
Enjoy the photos :)
Can you spot the bug?
gross!!
huge ants
Laura and Ashley in the bug
checking out the menu at the bug cafe
Saturday morning we drove to New Orleans to meet up with our good friends Ashley and Jeremy. We met at GordonBiersch and enjoyed lunch and a few unique brews. Then we were off to the Insectarium (which Scott fondly called the "Bug Zoo" -- which made me laugh until I cried).
I'm not sure that I recommend the bug zoo for young adults without children... but it was still entertaining. The atmosphere was very childlike and not as enjoyable as the aquarium, but fun nonetheless. Having Jeremy and Ashley with us made it much more fun! We ate cricket pancakes and watched videos and got face-to-face with roaches... I was not a bug person before the experience, and my feelings did not change at all!
Enjoy the photos :)
Can you spot the bug?
gross!!
huge ants
Laura and Ashley in the bug
checking out the menu at the bug cafe
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
It's been a while...
I just realized that it's been three weeks since I've updated!
We've started a few new adventures since my last post... one of which was joining the YMCA. Our first night we did a toning class with an instructor named Cissy and soon found out just how out of shape we really are! It was definitely a wake-up call and I was sore for about four days (Scott, on the other hand, didn't feel sore at all!)
A couple of Fridays ago we enjoyed dinner at our favorite fancy restaurant in Baton Rouge, Maison LaCour.
It's this little old french-style home that was converted into a French restaurant. We always enjoy it much more than Galatoire's Bistro, which is much larger and usually crowded. I guess that makes Maison LaCour a secret, but the secret's out! It's best to call for reservations a week or two in advance... so when Scott called, they said they weren't sure of their availability because HBO's True Blood was filming at the restaurant that day!
Here are some photos of other recent events:
visiting Tricia at the hospital after her 24.5 hour labor... doesn't she look great?!
Virga with little Izzy
Adora's artwork sent to Uncle Scott for his bday (Mommy Melanie drew the heart!)
We've started a few new adventures since my last post... one of which was joining the YMCA. Our first night we did a toning class with an instructor named Cissy and soon found out just how out of shape we really are! It was definitely a wake-up call and I was sore for about four days (Scott, on the other hand, didn't feel sore at all!)
A couple of Fridays ago we enjoyed dinner at our favorite fancy restaurant in Baton Rouge, Maison LaCour.
It's this little old french-style home that was converted into a French restaurant. We always enjoy it much more than Galatoire's Bistro, which is much larger and usually crowded. I guess that makes Maison LaCour a secret, but the secret's out! It's best to call for reservations a week or two in advance... so when Scott called, they said they weren't sure of their availability because HBO's True Blood was filming at the restaurant that day!
Here are some photos of other recent events:
visiting Tricia at the hospital after her 24.5 hour labor... doesn't she look great?!
Virga with little Izzy
Adora's artwork sent to Uncle Scott for his bday (Mommy Melanie drew the heart!)
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Love Potion #9
My oldest brother made this short video about my niece Adora...
It's so cute... you have to check it out!!
It's so cute... you have to check it out!!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
visit with baby preston
I had the opportunity to see my nephew and sister-in-law on Wednesday. I only took a few photos, but here they are!
preston hanging out
a very proud Aunt Laura with her little speedster
preston hanging out
a very proud Aunt Laura with her little speedster
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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