A few of my favorite things...

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I have made some big life changes recently. I have started eating better(Weight Watchers), working out, attending church services regularly, attending not one but two bible studies, joined a Pkeno circle and started my dance class. Just to name a few....

-One of my favorite things right now is this book. It’s called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. It is opening up my eyes to so much and makes me really want to be a better person. Even though I grew up going to church and God has always been an important factor in my life, I don’t feel I truly understood why that is important. This book has made me see things I need to improve on as well as, how to make the things I already do better. I even downloaded the audio book for my road trip.

-Thanks to Weight Watchers, I have started to try things I thought I disliked. For example, diet sodas. Well to my surprise, I love Diet Dr. Pepper with Cherry(it is suprisingly smooth) and Diet Mt. Dew (taste better than the original!). To me they are a treat to go with my meals. This website helps out as well!

-Dance class at Katy Kress Dance Revolution, of course, is still a favorite. I am excited because I am starting to feel a little less awkward and it’s starting to make a little more sense. Don’t get me wrong I still have a long, long, long way to go, but I am so enjoying the journey. There is also the possibility, if we can get enough participation from our group, we will be competing in a dance competition in February. I am excited! Last night we learned a Bollywood dance, and it has been my favorite so far! I was shaking it like Shakira! (Ok maybe not that good, but close)

-Finally, my favorite, favorite new thing is my new church family! Check out Water’s Edge website. You can also listen to podcasts of previous lessons if you’re interested. Every Sunday when I leave, I feel loved, uplifted, positive and excited about my life. I have had many “break-throughs” from words that Pastor Tony has delivered. He is awesome at his job, and even has great taste in clothes, which he gives credit to his wife, Rachel for. I love singing some great songs, and listening to an empowering message from a pastor wearing converse while surrounded by people who don’t care what you’re wearing, instead, they are just happy that you came! How people worship is personal preference I know, but for me Water’s Edge is what I had been looking for.
-Speaking of Tony and Rachel, she gave birth to their first child yesterday. It was a little boy named Jagger and he’s adorable. After years of being unsuccessfully naturally, they were selected as recipients of the “Gift of Hope.” The program granted them the opportunity to conceive with a free IVF cycle (Read more here). It worked and they were given the answer to a long unanswered prayer! I doubt if they will ever read this, but I just want to tell them congratulations, and God just needed a little extra time to prepare the “perfect” baby for you to parent on earth.
Now, road trip time, Lubbock or bust!

Top Ten Tuesday

With my trip to Lubbock coming up this weekend, I can’t help but have visions of prairie dogs dance in my head. For those of you that don’t know, Lubbock and I have a history that dates back way before I even attended my first class at Tech. Many of you know that my mother lives there, but actually there is more. See, my grandfather that raised me, grew up in Petersburg, a small town right outside of Lubbock. I grew up listening to stories about “out West” and even made the trip for the annual “Petersburg’s Days.” So, Lubbock has a special place in my heart for more than just obvious reasons. The main reason I chose Texas Tech was because to my paternal grandfather and great-grandmother, Texas Tech was better than Harvard and Lubbock was their idea of desert paradise.


Lubbock is hard to explain to people who have never experienced it. Yes, it may not be close to much, and it’s a bit flat, but once you experience the true L-B-K, the appreciation you gain is overwhelming.


This week I dedicate my top ten to Lubbock and some of the many memories it’s given me. A lot of firsts in my life happened because of Lubbock, so this week enjoy

Top Ten Firsts Thanks to Lubbock…

10. First solo flight- The first time I ever flew on an airplane by myself was to visit my mom in Lubbock. I was 13, I think, and I made the long (45 minute) flight from Dallas Love Field to the Lubbock International Airport. I will never forget looking down and thinking the ground looked like a patch work quilt.
9. First Minor League Sporting Event- That same trip to visit my mom, I went to a Lubbock Crickets baseball game. The Crickets are no longer a baseball club, and I have hated crickets since thanks to the mascot.
8. First Major Concert- My mom took me to see Aerosmith at the United Spirit Arena in college. Sadly, that was my first concert that didn’t take place in a rodeo arena.
7. First Heartbreak- Oh the misery or at least I thought it was. Junior year in college, I had my heart truly broken for the first time. I learned so much from that experience. I learned there are two people and not just myself, in a relationship. I learned you have to compromise and not be a b**** (I’m just using the same verbiage as him). I also learned, you can bounce back ten times better.
6. First Charging of the Field- Texas Tech surprisingly defeated the Oklahoma Sooners in 2007. Thanks to the victory, I was able to participate in a celebration I had only witnessed on TV. Yeah, I might of hesitated a bit, but that doesn't matter!
5. First Drivers License-Yep, I got my driver’s license on my 16th birthday at the Department of Transportation office in Lubbock. I didn’t have my car yet, so my first memories of driving on my own were in my mom’s old Mercury that was about the same length of a football field. It was so pimp!
4. First Visit to a Nightclub(one of many firsts rolled into one)- When a college classmate invited me out one night, I was excited. I had never been to a nightclub and was excited to get to dance on an actual dance floor. Well, we go to a club called Luxor, which also made the event my first trip to a Gay Nightclub. Turned out we had a blast just dancing and not worrying about a thing, until the night also turned into the first time I was hit on someone of the same sex. Oh boy, that was night of many firsts, not all appreciated.
3. First Car Accident- It had to happen at some point.
2. First Job-My first job was actually at a Baskin Robbins ice cream shop in Lubbock. It only lasted about 3 weeks, and I hated going home with stick fingers and sore forearms, but it’s where I learned the true meaning of work. I had my first real boss and I quickly learned, they don’t really care if you don’t like working on Saturday’s or not.
1. First Real Pet Owner Experience-Even though we had family dogs, I had never had a dog of my own until I moved to Lubbock. A wiener dog had been left at my mom’s house by my uncle when he moved to Houston. It was love at first sight for me, and Doc has never left my side since!

Thank you Lubbock for many firsts, memories and what’s yet to come!
 Can’t wait to see all my family and friends in Lubbock soon!

Weekend Recap

My weekend was really uneventful and I liked that. No drama + great weather = a good weekend in the Dianne Book.
Friday-
The highlight of my Friday evening was caught in these photos. Zac is a huge LSU fan and since Izie was born in Louisiana, I purchased my first LSU merchandise ever, a LSU jersey for her. (I will be buying her a Texas Tech one soon!!!!) Izie loves it, and Zac loves her in it! Twice I came home to find her sporting it. Funny how the same guy that makes fun of me for buying dog clothes, is the same guy who keeps dressing her!

It’s so funny,  Doc HATES cameras. In fact, the only time I can get a picture of him face-on is when he’s using the bathroom. Not Izie, she will look straight at the camera and smile big! In the second photo, she kept looking out the window and I couldn’t help but smile. It was so cute how she would prop herself up and stare out waiting for the least little bit of action.

Saturday-

Saturday started out with my weekly weigh-in at Weight Watchers. This was my 6th week and I only needed to lose 2 lbs to reach 15 total lbs lost. I was pleasantly surprised to not only lose 2 lbs but more! -3.2 lbs brought my total weight loss 16.2 so far. I still have around 52 lbs  to go until my ultimate goal, but I am so proud of my progress thus far. I really have made some big life changes and I am confident they will pay off! I don’t think I have been this determined about something in a really long time.

After WW, we took Izie to Dog-o-ween. She, in her pretty-pretty princess costume, had her picture made with pumpkins, and was scheduled to be in the costume contest, but my hunger got in the way(it was like 12:45p and I hadn’t eaten a thing yet). The rest of Saturday we hung out with Melissa* and Chris and I was so excited to finally get to spend some time with my bestie, including my first dinner party at the new house! Not only was I excited but, it got my mind off of the disappointing loss of Texas Tech to Texas A&M. Like I told the guys at work giving me a hard time and emailed me some smack talk, "Congrats Aggies, for your first victory in 16 years against us. Don’t get to comfortable though, it will not be repeated next year. Cheers to tradition! "

Sunday-
The day started with a drive to Ragley to attend church services at the church of Melissa’s parents. Melissa’s dad took the amazing step of dedicating his life to Christ by going through the ceremony of baptism and I wanted to be there to show my support. I got there a little early to help Chris and Mel with some photos they are taking for the church’s directory. After an interesting church service, and a little more appreciation for Water’s Edge(my church family I absolutely love, a separate blog to follow). Zac and I headed home. I did some reading outside(Crazy Love by Francis Chan, if you want to work on a relationship with God, this is the book for you) with Doc and Izie and enjoyed the gorgeous day God had made.


Don’t worry Lola (Zac’s lab) is still loved, she is just in heat and unfortunately can’t spend too much time out of her kennel these days.


Like I said, my weekend was uneventful, but I loved every minute of it. I’m sure after my trip my much anticpated trip to Lubbock this weekend, my round-up next week will be much more enjoyable!


*For those who don’t know, Melissa is my best friend from Reno who moved back to the Lake Charles area in June. Due to her career in retail and her family obligations, we have been unable to hang out as much as I would like. Anytime with her is fun in my book!

Should I dare admit to this?

I’ll be the first to admit, I am some what “addicted” to Celebrity News. Why, I haven’t a clue. Something about how celebrities moments of unraveling dispair displayed in the public eye not only amuses me, but brings me laughter and makes me feel my life may not be that screwed up in comparison. My day is not complete without an update of what’s going on in the lives of The Kardashians, Gosslins or Nicole Richie and Joel Madden (just to name a few). I know this behavior may cause some to question my judgement, or even my intelligence, but at least this “addiction” does not affect my health or well being so, get over it (just kidding)! The day my harmless fun turns into obsession like, cutting my hair to mimic Kate Gosselin or not going to work because I am so devastated Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer broke-up yet again, then you have permission to talk to me about a 12 step program.

However, there are some things that annoy me about entertainment news…
First of all, if you feel the need to explain who the person is before the “announcement” then it probably isn’t truly worthy celebrity news. For example, this week I saw where Meryl Streep’s daughter got engaged. Good for her! But when the announcement headlines state “Mamie Gummer, Meryl Streep’s Daughter, Gets Engaged” its really not classifed as "true" celebrity news in my book. Why? Because you have to explain who she even is and why I should care. By the way, why should I care? Anyways, I think the story was really to focus more on the fact that A) Meryl Streep chose a really strange name for her daughter and B) we can be expecting a sequel with the headline of “Meryl Streep to be a Grandmother” to follow.
Another thing that annoys me is when they become obsessed over the stupid things and report them everyday! For example, I have been was a Jon and Kate Plus Eight fan pre-scandal for many years. Although I used to be Team Jon (if you watched old episodes you would know why), and it has now been proven he is a few crayons short, why do we need to know about this man’s every move? Seriously, so what if now he thinks he’s Jewish, or if he leased a Mercedes for his 22 year old girlfriend instead of investing that money into his EIGHT children, you (celebrity news reporters) have made a valid stand against Jon Gosselin and all the crap is he doing on a day-to-day basis. I have three words: Quarter Life Crisis. Let him be and tell me more about the news worthy things I want to hear about like Reece Witherspoon’s admittance to having a bit of self doubt just like the rest of us.
There is more, but I will shorten my randomness today. I hope you are all able to see the bit of scarcastic undertone included. If anything, celebrity news gives me a little insight to a life unknown to me. And of course, a couple more names to add to my prayer list at night.
It’s Wednesday, and you know what that means-DANCE CLASS!

Top Ten Tuesday

It’s that time of the week! Time for the 2nd Edition of Top Ten Tuesday. This week I am going to give you ten songs(minus the obvious selections like the Star Spangled Banner) that bring me happiness and the reason. When I hear the opening note of all the following songs, I immediately begin to smile and so this week i would like to present...

Top Ten Songs That Make Me Smile (plus a runner-up)
in no praticular order...

Runner-Up: Hot in Herrre by Nelly
This song was popular in 2002 right before some friends and I took a graduation trip to New Braunfels, Texas. We played this song over and over and sang along to every word! We had finally graduated high school and with that trip we gained a sense of freedom we had yet to experience. In fact, I even have a horrible tattoo to prove it.
10. Elvira by The Oak Ridge Boys
My grandparents loved, loved The Oak Ridge Boys; mostly because my grandmother served on Student Council in college with Duane. A couple of years ago when I was working at L’Auberge, The Oak Ridge Boys’ were scheduled to perform during their Christmas tour. I was able to pull some strings and surprise my grandmother with the awesome Christmas gift of tickets to the show and the VIP meet-and-greet. Duane even said he remembered her(I don’t know if he did or not) and I will never forget the happiness(and a few tears) on her face during the concert while she sang along to all the songs.
9. Settlin’ by Sugarland
I love this song because it reminds me never to settle and always strive for the best in everything. Also, the lines, “With some good red wine and my brand new shoes,Gonna dance a blue streak around my living room,” describe me perfectly!
8. What’s Your Fantasy by Ludicrous
I have so many memories of junior year in high school and driving around blaring this song with Liz, Jessica, Ashley and crew. We would play it in the drive through of Taco Delite(a Paris staple) and in the parking lot after pep rallies. For some reason we loved it! (I don’t think we actually got how dirty it really was)
7. Independent by Webbie and two Lil somethings
I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T do you know what I mean? Not only do I never smell like onion rings, but I work hard for what I have. I have done it on my own and I am so proud of that. Even though at times I am a little too independent, I am proud of not having to rely on someone (or a man) for everything. This song is the anthem for that!
6. Don’t Stop Believing by Journey
This is just a feel good song. Reminds me of the Summer of ’07, the best summer I’ve ever had to date! Road trips to Tahoe every weekend weren’t complete without this song.
5. Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus
A product of Billy Ray Cyrus’ mullet days, this song warms my heart. It brings memories when I was a kid and my mom, Tamara, Jaclyn and I would listen to it over and over and dance and sing like fools. Mom would have us call the radio stations to request it and we would just stare at the radio waiting to hear it again. Good times!
4. Sitting on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding
This song completely mellows me out. It makes me have this ridiculous grin on my face and immediately get in a better mood. My mom even has it set-up to play when I call her so sometimes I call my mom for a double pick me up, the song and my mom’s voice!
3.Any of the early hits by Elvis, Haggard or Jennings (I know this isn’t just one song but I’m the author, I can break the rules)
My granddad loved him some classic music like Elvis, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings Glen Campbell, and so on. He used to have a tape player and a box of tapes and he could sit in his chair, play a tape and usually end up napping. He LOVED to just sit alone and listen to music and I love the classics that remind me of that.
2. Hangin Tough by New Kids On the Block
Need I say more?
1. Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson
I was introduced to this song by Lee in college and it kind of turned into “my song.” Some friends still refer to me as “Dirty D” and now you know the orgin. I really can’t relate to the song one bit, but it reminds me of those good ol’ times with the crew at Tech. I still get excited when it comes on. It’s not one of MJ’s more popular tunes, but to me it’s my favorite from his collection. There have been a few times when the song has played and only my friends and I were on the dance floor.

One of those pet owners...

Ok, say what you want, but I have totally turned into one of those pet owners. You know the ones people make fun of because they treat their dogs like kids and buy them ridiculous outfits and such. I have always wanted to a smaller girl dog so I could do just that. I wanted a little “diva” that would be mine to spoil and cover in pink. Don’t get me wrong, I have spoiled Doc plenty, but he doesn’t really look good in pink, and hates it when I put him in clothes.

I treated myself on Father’s Day this year with a gift (hey, I’m a great father and mother to Doc) of a little Scottish Terrier. Melissa’s mom had two puppies left from a litter her Scotties had produced that she was trying to find homes for. This one puppy in particular had been placed, but then returned when they decided it was too much work to dedicate for their lifestyle. When I met her, I was in love and knew at the end of the night, she was going home with me. Zac however, wasn’t so convinced. After a night of crawfish, wine and allowing him to pick her name, I finally got him to say “yes” and Izabelle a.k.a. Izie, became the newest member to join my family. I’ll admit three dogs is a challenge at times, but Izie has added so much fun and love that it totally makes it worth it! I could write on and on about Izie and all the things I find absolutely adorable about her, but I will spare you…today at least.

Ok, so here it goes. This is Isabelle in her new dress! It’s pink with ruffles and looks fabulous on her. She looks like a real “diva” while she plays with her new pink toy. Say what you want, but I am proud to be one of those pet owners. Sorry it's blurry, I only had my cell phone to take the picture with.

Now for an update. We are 100% moved and 95% unpacked. The new house is great and I am enjoying it immensely so far. The dogs love their yard. Doc sunbathed on the deck for a while yesterday and Zac played fetched with Lola and she loved the room to run! Too bad she’s in heat and every dog in a 5 mile radius was barking and going crazy.

I didn’t make it to the GRE Saturday morning. I did not feel good at all Friday night or Saturday morning. I know, I know no one has to say anything; I will reschedule soon and be more prepared and well. Moving takes a lot out of you. Hopefully I won’t have to do it again for a while.

I pray everyone has a great week and come visit the new house soon!

Boy do I....

Boy do I have a busy four days ahead of me!!! Today has been insane at work! This is the first time I have actually been able to sit down at my desk for longer than 5 minutes. I am so busy this weekend, that I am going to need a weekend after my weekend!

Tonight-I am in the process of moving into a new house. Thanks to the lovely rain the Lord has blessed us with, I have been able to move anything that really matters like furniture. So, tonight Zac and I have to move my bed, dresser and night stand (which are extremely heavy) and all the living room furniture. Plus, everything else we can. Our electricity is turned off tomorrow so we need to be sleeping in the new house tonight.

Tomorrow-On top of loads of unpacking I must do, I also have to attend my Weight Watchers meeting due to scheduling conflicts on Saturday. Then signing the title over to the new owner of the jeep. Oh, I also have a much needed hair appointment and need to run some errands for various things. To top off tomorrow, I need to some how find some time to cram in some vocabulary words for the G.R.E.

Saturday-I start the day off with a trip to Beaumont to take the G.R.E. Hopefully I will have crammed a little bit so I feel prepared just a bit. Once the G.R.E is done, its back home to get ready for "Family" Christmas Photos. "Family" will be Me, Zac and my children Doc, the wiener dog, Lola the lab and Izie the scottie dog. Of course my Saturday wouldn't be complete without some Texas Tech football.

Sunday-I will attend services at Water's Edge Gathering (LOVE IT! www.watersedgegathering.com ) and work on some unpacking before I attend my first small group (or Tribe like Water's Edge calls it).

Hopefully between it all I will find some time to sleep and love on my dogs. Wish me luck!

Top Ten Tuesday

My friend Christina has an amazing blog.(check it outsometime http://christinalouvierre.com/blog ) One thing she does that I love is, TMI Tuesday. It’s her way of raving about things and sharing new products with all of us. I love the idea of having a special day to talk about one particular topic, so I have been inspired to start what I am calling Top Ten Tuesday. Each Tuesday I will share a list of ten things   like memories,favorites, etc. from my life. I would like to premiere my first Top Ten Tuesday with:

Top Ten Random tidbits you might not know about me!

10. I am overly obsessed with Chapstick…but it has to be the black tube! The blue and red tubes don’t cut it in my book. In fact, I should probably put some Chapstik on right now.


9. A lot of people think frogs are cute and adorable, I HATE THEM!!!! No matter how big or small they are.


8. “We doin' big pimpin, we spendin' cheese”…I know every word to Jay Z’s Big Pimpin’ and like to pretend I’m a rapper when I hear it and rap along to every word. I know it’s not the most positive of songs, but it totally reminds me of my sophomore year in high school!


7. When I am really into a movie or TV show (like the American Idol audition shows ) I can’t control my facial expressions. So, I make really weird and amusing faces with out even knowing it.


6. So what if I am 25 and I secretly like the Jonas Brothers. It’s not too weird…right?


5. I have a really hard time asking for help and sometimes that gets the best of me.


4. I absolutely can’t stand for my food to touch. I have been known to have multiple plates at a meal for that reason.


3. When I have a really bad day, or in a somber mood, I love to listen and sing along to Otis Redding’s Try a Little Tenderness


2. Scary movies and I don’t mix. I don’t care if it’s on the Disney Channel or it’s a classic like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, I will not watch them!


1. When I shop, especially grocery shop, I will not buy the item that is in the front. I have this fear that the front item has been used or damaged. I have no proof to back my crazy logic, just something I do.

Well I hope this Top Ten list gives you a little more insight about me. Let me know what you think about Top Ten Tuesday!

Why October 10 is significant to me...

I will never forget where I was on this day three years ago. That was the day when my world as I knew it was turned upside down. I was attending a training class at University of Nevada-Reno for work. I remember looking down at my phone and noticing a lot of missed calls but didn't want to be rude and answer during class. Finally when I could, I looked at the missed call list. When I saw that a majority were from my step-mom, I knew something wasn't right. Sure enough, she delivered the worse news imaginable to me.

Three years ago today, my beloved grandfather, and the man who raised me, went to be with the Lord. The next day I hopped on the first flight home to experience the worst pain I have experienced so far.

When I was going to school in Lubbock, the first thing I would do when I would go home to visit was go straight to my granddad’s room to say hi. We would chat about my trip and talk about which highways I took, (he loved to pull out an atlas and talk about which route to take) but on October 11, 2006 when I walked in the house he wasn't there and things have never been the same since.

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him. Every time I go home to visit I somehow expect him to be there when I walk through the door, but he isn’t. He meant the world to me and I am forever grateful for him. He made me a stronger person, he never allowed me to give up, and though he didn't always verbally say he loved me, I never doubted it. You would think after three years, I would be able to handle grief better than I do, but when you lose someone so close, someone that significant in your life, I think it’s normal to feel as I do. My biggest thing was and sometimes still is I wasn’t there to tell him bye, and to express to him how thankful I was for all he had done.

One of the most interesting experiences I have ever experienced was during a trip to San Francisco with Melissa, Chris and the crew. We were walking along the piers and we came across this psychic who wanted to read our tarot cards. I was extremely hesitant and had no desire to spend $20 on that. She offered a no obligation palm reading free sample in hopes that what she said would make you want to buy the whole package. I gave her my palm and she looked at me and after a few moments of silence and blank looks she said, “Someone very close to you just passed, and he wants you to know he heard you say goodbye.” Either she has a really crazy imagination or someone really did send her a message from above, but either way when she spoke those words to me I immediately began to cry and I have been in the healing process ever since.

So, in honor of you today Paw Paw, I'm going to sit back and watch Texas Tech football and know that you are somewhere watching it too!

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

If you read my previous blog (or scrolling down to read it now) you will know I was on a mission to find the home of a Beagle I picked up, out of traffic on a busy highway, on my lunch break. After knocking on some doors, in the rain, I FOUND HER HOME! The neighbor helped identify her and pointed me in the direction of her home sweet home.

I marched up and knocked on the door of this stranger's house so excited because I was about to return their precious dog back to them. Needless to say, I did not recieve the excitment I hoped for. In fact, the neighbor was more excited and acted more grateful. Her owner did say, "thank you" and said he had been searching for her. It was good to know at least they were concerned she was missing.

At least now I can sleep better knowing I did my part to reunite a family! I said as long as I had hope it would happen and it did! MISSION IMPOSSIBLE ACCOMPLISHED!

It's kind of nice to be a tad bit of a hero at times...or to at least feel like you're one.

Mission NOT Impossible - Your Assistance Needed!

Everyone knows I have a soft spot for dogs. I have three of my own and often refer to them as my children. Well today that got the best of me and I am now on a mission to reunite the dog below with her family.

 

I had to run an errand on my lunch break that required me to drive almost to Dequincy, a small town about 25 minutes north of Sulphur. It obviously had just finished raining because the roads were damp. I started to notice all the cars in front of me coming to a sudden stop or slowing down dramatically. Well, turns out there was a Beagle mix (or a older Beagle) in the middle of busy Highway 27. She was soaking wet and just standing in the middle of the highway. Well my soft spot started to ache, and I knew I had to pull over and help her, or at least check to see if she had tags so I could call her owner. I pulled over and called for her and she came straight to me with her tail wagging. She was wearing a collar but no tags. I pondered for a second on what I should do and decided I couldn’t leave her there (there weren’t any houses in the immediate vicinity) because she would probably meet Jesus sooner than later if I did. I opened my back seat and she jumped in. She rode with me to finish my errand and on the way back I stopped by the one house closest to the spot I had found her. The man had never seen her before. So, I stopped by my house to change clothes, she had gotten me all wet, and I put her in Doc’s kennel on my way back to work. She is very sweet and seems to be good health, obviously a pet to someone. Honestly, if it were Doc, Izie or Lola, I would want someone to do the same.

Now I am on a mission! I need to reunite this dog with her family because they have to be missing each other! Some would call it Mission Impossible, but I can’t give up hope. If you have any ideas, information or leads as to whom she belongs to, please let me know!!!!



With this being said, if you have a precious pet of your own, please take the time to either make sure they are wearing identification tags or equipped with a microchip. You never know what could happen and it would sure save soft-hearted people like me some trouble when we are trying to bring them home to you!

What I LOVE in Life (part 1)

For those of you who don’t know, there is one role in my life that I absolutely love more than others. That is the role of being an aunt! As cheesy as it sounds, the first time I held Jacob Thomas (a.k.a JT, Booger, Bubble Bear or Bubbles) I was so overwhelmed by immediate love and joy for this precious baby that I even cried a little. Every time I see my nephew or hear his voice in the background when I am on the phone with my sister Tamara, I get so excited! I absolutely love him to death! I also love what being a mother has done for sister. Tamara transformed into this amazing mother and I am so proud of her!

I am even more excited because I am going to be an aunt not one more time but TWO more times! Jaclyn (my other sister on my mom’s side) and Tamara are both expecting. Better yet, so far we know that Jaclyn is expecting a girl so I will now have a niece! We are still waiting to see what Tamara is expecting, but I have this feeling it’s another boy (I may be wrong, it’s just a feeling, but either way I will be happy). Needless to say, I am counting down! Jaclyn is due around New Years and Tamara around Valentines. I guess I should start seriously coming up with a cute name they can call me...I tried Princess Di, but my mom doesn't like it.

I would like to now introduce you to my beautiful niece Adrianne Paige. Already a diva, she insists she is only photographed on her terms as you can tell from the photo and loves to move all the time! I’m not quite sure how Jaclyn’s tiny frame is holding up, but personally I feel it’s not fair she’s prego and still only like 100 lbs. , anyways I can't wait until I meet Adrianne!!!!

I wish I was closer to Jaclyn to help her through this time (she is in the Air Force and stationed in North Carolina). I’m a little closer to Tamara but I still don’t get to see her as much as I would like. Although, Jaclyn and Tamara may have conceived my niece and nephew in a way not in line with society’s standard of “right,” I am a strong believer in things happened for a reason and God has a plan (Psalm 139: 13-16). If Jaclyn had not gotten pregnant, she would be preparing for deployment. Tamara, I don’t know where she would be, I just know the person she is now is directly related to my nephew. Personally, the pregnancies have helped me become closer to them and I am so thankful to the Lord for that! We now have a relationship like sisters, instead of strangers who only speak a few times a year. So, I would like to say “thank you” to Tamara and Jaclyn for giving me the honor of being an aunt! I love you both!

Wednesday-My 2nd Favorite day of the week!

To many people Wednesday is referred to as “Hump Day.” Wednesday symbolizes that the week is half-way over and the weekend is right around the corner. To me, Wednesday is now referred to as my 2nd favorite day of the week. Why you might ask?
As a kid, most of my afterschool time was spent with my wonderful grandfather I called Paw Paw. He decided I need to get involved in some extra curricular activities and one day when he picked me up from 2nd grade, he handed me a glove, and took me straight to softball tryouts. Without any experience, I tried out for softball (in embarrassing fashion of course). I eventually got the hang of things and played softball for many years to follow. Although I enjoyed softball, I was secretly jealous of all the girls who got to do the “girly” activities like gymnastics (another embarrassing moment for me), cheerleading, or something really cool like dance!
About two months ago I was going to get my haircut and I noticed the dance studio right next door. I made note of the website and told myself to check it out later. When I finally remembered to do so, about a month later, I noticed a link called “Adult Class.” I was intrigued. So after reading the description, I picked up the phone and called Katy Kress Dance Revolution. After a return call from Katy herself, I was sold!

Now every Wednesday evening from 7-8:30 I attend my favorite weekly activity, and finally get to do something I have always wanted to do-Dance Class! Every class is different and Katy Kress is an amazing and patient instructor (even though I had always wanted to be in dance doesn’t mean I am any good at it). In class, Katy teaches us the basics techniques of ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, salsa, the list goes on. Better yet, after the first hour of class, some of stay for additional 30 minutes of tap dance. I purchased my first pair of tap shoes at age 25!

I was scared of the class at first because, like most of us, I was afraid of looking stupid because I don’t have a trained dance background (I don’t count dancing at clubs or the occasional dances I made up with my sister, Tamara). During the first class all my fears were put at ease. We even have one lady in her late 60’s and if she can do it, I can do it!

Guess, what? There is a dance recital too! I will be able to showcase my skills the first weekend in June and you are all invited! Stay tuned for more information on that.

So, thanks to Katy Kress Dance Revolution, I now look forward to my Wednesdays. Who knows, maybe I’ll try out for the next season of “So You Think You Can Dance”…NOT!

For more information about Katy Kress Dance Revolution and to watch a video of the class in action, check out the website www.kressdance.com.

*Update...turns out I will also be dancing in the Sulphur Christmas Parade!Come out and support!

Dear LSU Fans....

Dear LSU Fans,

Although I am touched by your undying support for your team and respect your wishes to support the one school in your state with a decent athletic program, I would appreciate a little more respect. Even though vehicles hand-painted purple and gold while covered in LSU stickers with the word “go” spelt g-e-a-u-x, are mighty attractive, don’t question my love for football or Louisiana. Just because I do not have an inventory of purple and gold body paint, does not make me any less of a fan. My loyalty lays somewhere else; somewhere where the prairie dogs roam rather than the local appetizers: alligators.

Let me explain myself….

I also have undying support for a team of my own. A little team called THE Texas Tech Red Raiders. Even if they haven’t won national championships, or earned the fame of the LSU Tigers, they will always have my support no matter their record. The Red Raiders and I have a special bond. I spent countless hours on the campus of Texas Tech University studying to earn my degree and living the amazing life of a Red Raider. Where your blood runs purple and gold, mine runs black and red and I owe the Red Raiders my spirit for turning me on to the wonderful sport known as college football. A first experience at Jones Stadium leaves you hooked, just as adequate as a first experience at “Death Valley.” Sounds like the Saddle Tramp bells, the Goin’ Band from Raiderland, Air Raid, or Sig Eps jingling their keys at losing opponents, and visions of the Double T, hands in the Guns Up position and Raider Red doing a victory dance, are just some of the things that only a Red Raider can truly appreciate.

So, what if Mike Leach likes pirates and Lubbock is in the middle of nowhere; Texas Tech deserves respect of their own. Now that I have explained myself, please back off and just let me wear my Tech t-shirts and watch my football games without any lip from you. Thank you for your cooperation with this urgent matter and WRECK EM’TECH!

Thanks a bunch,
Dianne