Wednesday, January 31, 2007

What's for Dinner?

Chunky Chicken and Chorizo Chili &
Polenta Corn Cakes

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Smile and Nod

We could talk about our real feelings but we don't
We could say many things felt and true
Some things wait at the tip of the tongue
Shhh! Don't utter it
Instead we only smile and nod
Smile and nod

We pretend and carry on with masks
Not speaking from the heart but the mind
Too afraid of what others think
Someone might hear and run away
Instead we think it's better to smile and nod
smile and nod

Monday, January 29, 2007

What's for Dinner?

Soft shredded beef tacos with cilantro and green chilis mmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Congrats to Kim and Ashley

It's great you two are finally hitched!

Tennis Anyone?

Played tennis yesterday with my friend Jamie and it was so much fun. I haven't picked up a tennis racket in years, but despite that, I did alright. Jamie was regional champion or something like that in her area several years back, so I was a little nervous playing her! She went easy on me thank goodness, but she did slam some hurt on me a few times with her killer backhand.

I've always been a decent tennis player, but it was good to prove to myself that I've still got some of my tennis talent left...including my serve. I hope to start playing with Jamie on a regular basis and finally develop the backhand I've always wanted to master but never did. With Jamie's help, I'm sure it's only a matter of time before I'll be delivering some devastating backhands of my own. :)

Thursday, January 25, 2007

What's for Dinner?

I'm going to start posting some of the things I make for dinner. If at any time someone wants a recipe feel free to ask.

Tonight's Menu:
Roasted Whole Chicken with mushroom gravy
Greenbeans
Glazed Carrots with lemon and dill

Monday, January 22, 2007

McKinney All Weather Trail

It was a really nice day, but T and I decided to hit the all weather(paved) trail because anything else would have been too muddy. It was a short 3 mile walk, but I was very happy to see the sun and glad for the opportunity to be outside. Enjoy the pics.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Winter Words

I'm not worthy
It's fairly plain to see
Sometimes words are better
When not spoken wintery

Friday, January 19, 2007

Random BS

Got my new ipod shuffle, thus goes the task of filling it up with music again. I'm supposed to return the bad one back to Apple, for which they gave me a return label that I destroyed while trying to pry it off the packaging it was glued to. I don't know if that was poorly thought out on their end, or if I'm just a big dork and should have cut the label off with scissors, then found my own tape to re-attach it to the return box. Either way, I got my new shuffle and it's filling up with music as I type this. I really LOVE technology. :)

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

More Pics of January 2007 Winter Storm

Ice Encased Car
On Guard!
Looking into the Agave
Bejeweled
Ice from Agave leaf...it was at least an inch thick!
Ice Balls




My Animal Children. They've not seen ice before...Lola takes a sniff

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Pics of the Day

Icicles Hanging off of Russell's Car
Ice Blobs on Agave

Sunday, January 14, 2007

The Jaw Dropping Talent That is Jamie

I have a friend who oozes talent out of every pore and her name is Jamie. She composes wonderful music and is a true rocker through and through. If the world only knew of her, she'd be famous. She's so modest about it too. I don't think she knows her own musical genius, but a privileged few of us do know the talent that is Jamie, and we are fortunate indeed to be able to call her friend. I can sit for hours and let her rich voice and intricate guitar weave images in my mind and conjure emotions from depths within. It's like having your own personal rock star and that's damn cool! Aside from all that musical prowess, she's a great listener and a hilarious comedian too. Jamie I LOVE YOU!

Going Stir Crazy!

Warning! Pity Party about to commence...

I've been cooped up in the house most of the week and the friggin weather prevented me from backpacking this weekend. I can't believe how dependent I've become on getting out on the trails, and notice a huge difference in my mood when I miss a weekend. Right now I'd say I'm fairly miserable and man oh man do I miss the feel of natural ground under my feet! The best anti-depressant in the world is the great outdoors and boy do I need a dose.

To make matters worse, Russell is about to start classes again and we both dread the loss of free time we'll have to sacrifice as a result. Not only that, but the heavy workload and stressful deadlines he'll be burdened with make him miserable and zero fun to be around. I share his pain believe me...it's hard work being the supportive spouse and I'm paying my dues too. Master's programs are a bitch and that's all there is to it.

*Sigh* My heart feels like it weighs a ton...I wish I was on the trail now.

Monday, January 08, 2007

My Morning Walk

I walked an average pace of 3.9 mph for about 45 minutes this morning and now feel like I can barely move. Of course I did just complete an 11 mile trek this past weekend so shouldn't be so hard on myself...or should I? I've got some real physical and mental obstacles to overcome if I'm to hike Big Bend in March. The big question in my mind is do I really have the time to get prepared for a March trip? And also, just how much training am I going to need, and what kind? It's quite obvious to me that the little bit of walking and hiking I've been doing isn't going to cut it. It's now time to get serious.

Good Times on the Good Water Trail

This past weekend Thomas, Matt, and myself, went backpacking again for another great through hike on the Good Water Trail at Lake Georgetown. We parked two cars...one at Camp Tejas, and one at Cedar Breaks. We started the hike at Cedar Breaks and made our way back towards Tejas, which is 11 miles total. We powered out the first 6.7 miles stopping very little until we got to Camp Sawyer, which is where we stayed for the night.

To back up a little, the day started out a bit nippy with a couple of misty sprinkles here and there before getting on the trail, but it soon stopped. The forecast said rain was unlikely, but Matt had the genius foresight to bring his umbrella along anyway, which did come in quite handy! Thomas also loaned out a waterproof jacket to me that I was so glad to have along. By the time we made it to camp we could feel the weather changing, and almost as soon as our tents were all pitched the rain came. Not only was it raining, but it was cold too. We huddled under Matt's umbrella for a while and played some golf on Matt's phone. I'm sure any observer would have found that quite humorous. It's worth noting here that Matt is a gadget kind of guy. He has all sorts of neat little toys including a scope that allows one to see at night.

After standing around in the cold rain for an hour or so after sunset, we retired to our tents for the night. It was so early and I didn't want to go to bed, but there was little else to do. I succumbed to the inevitable and snuggled down into my sleeping bag. Sleep didn't come for a long time though and I was so thankful to have my new ipod along to chase boredom away. The next day the sun came out, which was very welcome indeed considering we had wet tents and stuff that needed to dry out before packing it all up.

Hiking out of Camp Sawyer was as beautiful as can be, but unfortunately I didn't get any pictures. I thought I had brand new batteries in my camera, but it died as soon as I turned it on. The extra batteries I had with me were supposed to be brand new too, but they wouldn't work either. Not being able to take pictures of the gorgeous scenery all around me was frustrating, but it soon became apparent that I'd have little time to stop and take shots anyway because Thomas was moving fast and I didn't want to get too far behind.

One other thing on the trip is worth mentioning. The cedar pollen. Anytime one of us would brush up against cedar, and it happened often, a thick cloud of smoky looking pollen would fly away in the breeze. I kept waiting for it to cause me terrible allergies but it didn't. I don't know if I got lucky, or was just good at holding my breath while walking through pollen clouds. ;)

The trip was great and it challenged me. I always hope for a little challenge while backpacking so I can gain experience and toughen up a bit. I've got bigger and more dangerous challenges ahead in my near future and must be ready.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Uh yeah, Dominoes? I'd like a pizza...very rare...hold the sauce, cheese and toppings please...

What do you think the reaction would be from a Dominoes employee if someone called and said they wanted to order such a pizza? My friend Jen and I had minutes of all out hilarity contemplating this and pretending we were calling in such an order. Don't ask.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Yesterday

Went on a Sunday walk with Thomas. It wasn't a hike but it was fun none the less. We walked about six miles including the Town Lake section and kept a fast pace. I've been feeling it today which is a good reminder that I've been lazy and need to get after it.

Some backpacking trips are coming up that I'll want to be in shape for. We've talked about getting started on the LST soon, and Big Bend is coming up in March, which will be a tough trip. Next weekend we'll probably head out to the Good Water Trail for an overnighter...hopefully the weather will cooperate.