Life

Life is a funny thing. It's fun, and at the same time so incredibly frustrating. I often find myself reflecting on how things have evolved and where I am now compared to where I was five, even eight, years ago (I can't say 10 because I was still in college 10 years ago); and where I thought I'd be now in some aspects of my life compared to where I actually am. Those of you who know me know exactly what I'm talking about in light of some recent events that have happened in my personal and professional life. Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful for so many things, but I can't help but feel a little bit of pain every now and then. Thank you to those of you who have listened to me try to reason with myself this week. Nobody likes to listen to someone bitch and complain, but I appreciate you (you know who you are).

Thank you!

Today is Memorial Day, and we remember those who died fighting for our country, and those who have, and currently are, serving our country. To each and every one of those individuals, I say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Because of you, we live in the greatest country in the world, and we have amazing freedoms that so many others don't.

My grandfather was one of those individuals who fought for our contry. He didn't die while serving, but he was Mr. Military to the bone, and he took that with him to his grave. He died almost a year ago, and went to his ship reunion EVERY YEAR. One of the many things I miss about him is hearing his stories about being in the Navy. Gosh, he loved that so much. He was so,so proud. And he was so incredibly proud and thankful for those who followed him and were fighting for our freedom. He was on the ship the USS Lenoir, and here's a picture of him wearing a cap that displayed his ship name. I love you, grandpa!

Jay's dad and grandfather were also in the military, and also very proud. They're no longer with us, either, but we know that the three of them are somewhere telling stories, especially today.

So again, to all of you who fought, have fought, or have someone fighting for us, THANK YOU. I respect you and thank you. We wouldn't be where we are if it weren't for each and everyone of our soldiers.

Hurricanes

So I don't really have anything exciting to talk about, because that's just how my life goes these days, but we've been talking a lot about crisis planning at work, especially now that hurricane season is just about a week away (starts June 1!), so I thought I'd dive into the topic.

I had to chuckle today when I saw a headline on the Chronicle's website that said something to the effect of "U.S. Forecasters expecting active hurricane season." This after the same website posted a story a few days ago that said "Cooler weather to cause fewer hurricanes." Um... so which is it, folks? More or less? This just goes to show that we really don't know what's going to happen, so they'll just make something up for news.

I used to panic this time of year (with hurricane season right around the corner), especially considering where we live, and the fact that we had to leave four days after we moved in because of Rita, but I'm done panicking. There is no way to predict what's going to happen. All we can do is be prepared. Which, we are (and you should be, too!... if you live in Southeast Texas). I'd just like to make it through one summer without dreading what forms in the Gulf.

This cartoon was sent to me after Katrina and Rita (I think by a certain someone in Michigan). The cartoon was done by Jeff Koterba of the Omaha Herald. It makes me laugh every time I see it. I used to live in the North, and I remember those snow days, and I'm not sure which is worse!

That's it for now. Have a great weekend. Happy Memorial Day!

Baseball No-No

I don't proclaim to be a Boston Red Sox fan. Never have been, probably never will be. I have no real reason to be. Everyone knows I root for the 'Stros. But last night one of the biggest feats in baseball happened (no, it wasn't the Cubs beating the Astros... oh wait, that's not a feat at all, my bad), and it couldn't have happened to a better guy. Jon Lester threw a no-hitter for the Sox, this after overcoming cancer two years ago and pitching the Red Sox to the World Series title last season. How cool is that? Maybe it's only cool to me, I don't know, but to witness (ok, see the highlights) someone do that is pretty remarkable. It's only happened something like 23 times in the majors, and this kid (yes, we can call him a kid) is only 24 years old! I know there are a few Red Sox fans out there who actually read my blog, so congrats to you. It's a really big deal!!

Birthday

So, these pictures are evidence of what I was greeted with at my office this morning. In a way, it's payback, because I did this same thing to Kyle for his birthday. I should have known...

But thank you to those who went through the effort (even if I will be picking confetti off of me, my desk and the floor for days to come). I love it!

Random thoughts from the week

Yea, yea. I know, I know. I haven't posted in forever, but I'm here now, and armed with random thoughts from the week.

NBA Playoffs

Was anyone aware that the playoffs were going on? I tuned out early when I realized the Rockets were doomed, again. I'm really getting tired of them not making it out of the first round. It's getting ridiculous. I really have no genuine interest in any teams, but I would like to see if the Celtics can get to the Finals. From what I hear, they're pretty good. In the West, it'll probably be the Spurs, but it really is anyone's game. Kobe finally won the MVP award, after how many years? 12? Good for him. Monkey off his back.

Work

We have a bond election tomorrow. I'll be glad when it's over. Do I need to say any more?

Our softball team is headed to the national tournament for the first time in school history. I can't go, and I'm kinda bummed about that (we have a gala to go to), because as much as I disliked all the travel when I was at Rice, I don't mind it every now and then with thew new job. But, Kyle is going and he'll do a great job for us. Let's just hope he gets to spend a few days in Florida, and we're not out after two games.

We start our summer hours on Monday, which means we work 9 hour days Monday - Thursday, and are done by noon on Friday. Can't wait!

House

Just when I thought we were one step closer to buying our house, it appears that we have an idiot for a mortgage specialist at our bank. Why do I have to keep calling once a day this week to check on things, only to get an e-mail at 4:45 on Friday afternoon saying she doesn't have all of the paperwork she needs? Seriously? You didn't know this before you called me with 15 minutes left in the work week? So frustrating.

Baseball

Two of my girlfriends and I got an Astros mini-season package (ok, it's really 6 Saturday night games). We've gone to two games so far, and it's way fun. I can't wait to go to more games this season!

Babies

No, I'm not. But one of my dear friends is, and I am so happy for her. Plus, my boss just became an Aunt for the first time and she is so excited. So it makes me excited!

Summer

...is officially here in Houston. It's in the 90's with 1,000% humidity. So, pretty much a typical summer in Houston. I love it when the weathermen get excited about it "cooling" down. It's going to be 85 on Sunday. That's "cool" this time of year. But, the warm weather means a lot of things, especially lots of time on the boat. And with our summer hours at work starting Monday, you can be sure my ass will be out on the water more often this summer!

TV
I don't watch all that much, but I do watch the Bachelor on Monday nights. This Monday is the finale. My pick is Shayne.

Moms

With Mother's Day this weekend, I'll end this post with a Happy Mother's Day wish for all of you moms (and moms-to-be) out there, including my own (although I'm not sure she's ever been to my blog... or even knows that I have one, and I'm pretty sure she wouldn't know how to find it). Enjoy YOUR day. You deserve it. Here's a picture of me and my mom. I love you, mom!