Friday, August 31, 2007

August is over! Wow!

Today was a half day of work and then I met Dave at the bank to sign some paperwork to go pick up a new car! Yup! Dave got a new car today!

We left Dallas around 2:00 and drove all the way Drummond (MiddleofNowhere), Oklahoma to pick it up. Here's Dave excited!



Now, this week has been quite long and knowing that I was going to have to drive back to Dallas, I slept the last half of our drive there.

Good news, I have an interview in October! (Kimberly, if you read this... I am calling you next week!) Yah! More on that later.

So, we got to Drummond, Oklahoma and took a little test drive and came back home with a new car. Before we left Oklahoma I got a few pics of Dave. I was so excited for him!




And here we are, with watery eyes from the evening sun!



Also, did you know Oklahoma has red dirt?! Weird!

So we stopped and ate some dinner before taking the long drive home. It was a haul but we got back into Dallas around midnight and went straight to bed. It was a long day's end to a long week.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

So today was work, digital studio, work and lighting. Alot of it was a blur.

Digital was going over some basics in photoshop. I really need to upgrade to CS3 but it's a $200 upgrade and I don't have the funds for that. So, I read my textbook on all the great features it has wishing I had it. What stinks is that supposively when I bought my creative suite I had a time period to upgrade to CS3 for FREE! I wish someone would have informed me of that when I bought it! Hmph.

My stuff I ordered from the Big Pier One online sale came in today. I got home early and decided to play decorator.



I need a fun way to fold my napkins... any ideas?

I moved around some furniture and a picture and was pleased with the results. I crossed my fingers and hoped Dave would be, too. And he was. I was proud.

We had spaghetti stuffed chicken tonight. A little experimenting on my part. I was actually quite good. A good way to use the extra spaghetti sauce from spaghetti night!

So, now I am getting as much sleep as I can. Goodnight!

August 28, 2007

This morning there was a lunar eclipse from around 4 to 6:30. It was really cool! I always want to sleep in when these come around but this time I wanted to experience it. To take the time to see the beauty that God created in the simple complexities of this universe.



I went back inside and read a bit which made me tired so I crawled back into bed for a few more minutes. Today was the first day of my studio class. I am excited about this semester. I feel challenged yet content. I have started developing my concept as well which I hope to start working on this week. If it is a fun as I see it in my head I will be so happy.

After work I came home and took the dogs out. I had a package from Hoffman Media in the office so I went and picked it up. It was my photos from last Tuesday! I was proud of myself as I looked at them. It's fun to see the good with the bad because then I can see how I resolve photos and lighting. It was also fun to show Dave and tell him about my fun day!

When Dave got home we went to the dog park with our neighbors. They have a boxer named Pitco that loves Molly. They ran like crazy and wrestled until both of them couldn't lift a paw. It was a great time for all.

I made meatloaf tonight and think I have finally got my personal recipe together. It was good. Now, I go to read for my lighting class tomorrow. Yeah.

Monday, August 27, 2007

Today flew by.



So here's my day...

I wake up at 6:15 and take Molly for a walk. This is really the only time I have to relax and reflect in my day. Molly gets her much needed ritalin and I get a few burned calories and an inch of sanity.

I eat my bowl of cereal. I love cereal in case you don't know. I really can't got longer than a few days without having massive cravings for it. I could eat cereal all day. Anyways, I get ready for work/school, feed the dogs, pack my lunch, and head out the door around 8.

Work is now from 8-10:45 in the mornings and then I have my first class to go to. I arrive at school 10 minutes early and get to class 5 minutes late due to parking. After a couple hours of class I go to try to pick up my degree plan only to find a waiting list of about 20 freshmen who need schedule changes. So, I decide to go get a parking permit only to discover I do not know my license plate number. So I trek back to my car to retrieve six digits and trek to the Union to discover yet another line of this time, about 50 people. So, I wait in line and eventually get my permit only to discover that I am really being ripped off by the university because I have to buy a year long permit. Well, I only need a semester. Theives.

I trek back to my car with seats that could roast a turkey and as I switch from butt cheek to butt cheek I speed back to work of which I am already late. I work from 2-5:45 and then head back up to school for my lighting class. It lasts about 1 1/2 hours and I swing by the bookstore to grab a book and then head home. I finally arrive home at 8:00.

That is my day for you. It really felt like a week in retrospect. Goodnight.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Sundays are my days to somewhat sleep in and wake up and not feel rushed. Sundays are beautiful days with bunnies and flowers and happy music playing in the background.

Church was wonderful today. Wonderful but challenging. The sermon was over the issue of being too busy with our suburban life upkeep that we neglect our family and ultimately miss out on the most vital part of life. We run full speed day after day trying to make life "better" and more established that we lose the moments that make life worth living in the first place. Although I am not fully into the rush of a 9-5 world I can feel life wearing me down sometimes and wish only for a moment to sit on the porch with my husband and watch the clouds go by. This semester is going to be busy. I only hope that I don't lose myself within the hustle and bustle of things I "have to" do.

After church I went and got my haircut by Heidi. Heidi is an awesome hairdresser. Dave and I have been going to her for about 2 years. She is from Iran and is an absolute sweetheart! She suggested I really shouldn't wait 4 months for a haircut. I agreed. No more split ends for me and I am a bit cooler.

After my haircut we took Molly to the lake for her first swim. She was very excited. Here we go!











We had lots of fun... Molly is tired.

I personally believe that...

this girl needs an education.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

“Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest” ~Ashleigh Brilliant

Friday, August 24, 2007

Yah it's Friday! The end of my last summer before the real world. Wow... that was hard to say.

Today I worked of course and then came home and took the dogs on a little walk until Dave got home. Then, I took Gizmo on a little ride to PetsMart to get some food since someone forgot to buy more from Metro Pet Services. (That being me.)



If you haven't checked out MetroPetServices.com you should definitely do it. They sell pet stuff and deliver directly to your doorstep anywhere in the DFW area. It's great! So anyways, we went to PetsMart and got somefood. Gizmo checked out the babes while I looked to see if they had any cheap indestructable toys. (Which they didn't.) I got Molly a new collar and we loaded up for a couple more stops. We went by Blockbuster and then Taco Bell. That's right, it was eat bad food night at the Dunlap's. It was soooo good, too.



By the way, take time to check out the sky lately if you are in the Dallas area. It has been awesome lately. I was laying out by the pool the other day just watching the clouds roll by and it was so amazing.



That's about it for today. We ate our Taco Bell and am going to bed early. I am tired from this week and sleep sounds wonderful to me!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

So I promised pictures of Gizmo's new do. Here ya go...

BEFORE



AFTER



I worked as always today. I came home after work and took some photos of Gizmo and had a little snack.



I read a bit. I am currently reading Life as Vapor by John Piper. It has been really good.



I watched Molly tear apart a toy in 5 minutes. She is quite destructive.



Here's the result of her "playtime"...



Dave came home and we hung out and had a nice relaxing evening. Time for bedtime now. Tomorrow is Friday! Yah!

Wednesday, Aug 22, 2007

Not alot happened today. The typical 8-4 then I cam home and relaxed a bit, did some chores and waited for Dave to come home. This week, like all the ones lately seems to be flying by as well.

After Dave got home I made some dinner. It was spaghetti night. You can never go wrong with spaghetti and Sister Shubert's rolls. The best!




Dave also had his Buffalo Butt beer that I got for him from the Stockyards Hotel. He said it was OK. At least it's name is funny!



We decided to give Gizmo a haircut tonight as well. I will take pictures tomorrow. He looks like a different dog!

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Today was awesome!

I got to sleep in today. Well, I woke up 30 minutes after I normally do. I guess my brain doesn't realize I need sleep. I had my usual bowl of cereal before getting cleaned up and gathering all my gear.

Then I met Kimberly in Grapevine at this wonderful little bakery called the Main Street Bread Baking Co. It was absolutely yummy. I recommend anyone to go to at least see the little cakes and desserts. I snapped a quick picture before she got there.



It's always nice to meet someone in person after talking to them on the phone. I had a great time getting to know her and learning little snippits of advice from her.

After we ate we headed to Sundance Square in Ft. Worth to do some photographing. It was sooo HOT! But, it was fun!

Then, we headed to the Stockyards to meet Rebecca the test kitchen director to shoot the Stockyards Hotel and other various things. They talked me into getting my picture made on top of this HUGE longhorn. I will post it once I get my hands on it. That thing was so big!

Speaking of longhorns, we saw them run at 4:00. Well, walk if you want me to be honest. I thought it would be more entertaining if they made the experience more like the Running of the Bulls. The picture in my head was funny.

We photographed several rooms in the Hotel but the interesting part was listening to the valet guy that gave us a tour. He was very knowledgable. I saw where Willie Nelson stays when he comes in town! And the room where Billy the Kid supposively stayed. There is also a restaurant in the hotel that is neat!

After we were done for the day we ate at a nice little restaurant with Kimberly's mom. One of the best meals I have had in awhile. It was a perfect way to end a great day. I must admit though. I was tired. And I decided I need to buy more comfortable shoes and keep band-aids in my purse. Kimberly has all the photos I took and I cannot wait to get feedback on them and see them as well. I took so many I can hardly remember them all.

Now, it's bedtime. I'm tired.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Today was honestly a blur. Work was from 8-4. After work I came home and relaxed a bit and then headed to Barnes and Noble to get some work done and have a Passion Tea. I have a gift card there but couldn't find a book I wanted so I decided to save it for later. It was also cold in there so I decided to come home and crash on the couch.



I tried to find something new for dinner but had no luck. We need to go grocery shopping.



Dave came home and the dog went crazy as always.



I spent the rest of the night editing my portfolio and doing laundry. Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day for me!

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Another weekend has come and gone and I feel like time might be going a bit too fast lately.

I went to late service today. Dave still had to go early to play so I know he has tired. We started a new series on life in suburbia and the effect it has on a Christian life. It should be interesting.

After church we came home and took a nap before Dave did some more work on the Jeep and I went grocery shopping. Walmart was busy! I had at least 10 near run-ins with another person's cart. It's kind of fun... like an obstacle course. Walmart is great!



I came home and started making dinner. I got this Stouffer's stir-fry stuff which was actually not bad. Although I had to scan the packages for the one with less than 1200 mg of sodium and only found one it was a quick meal that I was pleasantly surprised with.



After we ate we watched Anchorman, again. It was still funny.

Now, I am going to go to bed and get ready for a busy but exciting week! It's my last week before school starts. I've got to use it wisely.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Today was amazing. We got to sleep in. That's amazing. I woke up and ate some of Amy's yummy muffins she brought over. I went and checked on their dog Sadie who spent the night alone. She was happy to see a familiar face when I walked in. We played a bit and then I headed back home. I took care of a few chores and got my lesson together for tonight's service. It was our first Saturday night service! I had four kids but, it was still great!

Dave worked on the Jeep some more. It doesn't look like it but, he's really making progress.



After church the Guernsey's and Evan's and us all went out to eat at Chili's. After dinner, the guys went over to our place to play some football and the gals went over to the Evan's for a gab fest. It was fun! We grabbed some yummy Starbuck's Caramel Macchiatto's and ate some chocolate! Yah!

When it got late we went over to our place to check on the guys who were still playing Madden so we decided to have a photo session. Aren't we cute?!






Here's the guys in Zombieland. That's were video game playing people go.




All in all, it was a fantastic night!

Friday, August 17, 2007

It's finally Friday! Yah!

This morning started out a bit hectic. I took Molly to the vet to get her stitches removed. Finally, no more medical issues with her. She can live a happy lab life! Whew! Traffic was horrible as always on George Bush. Someone took out a toll booth, too. The front end of the Caddy was smushed. Stinks.

Work was the usual shindig. Fridays are usually slow. I talked with Kimberly from Hoffman Media today and I am excited to get the chance to run around with her next week on some shoots in Ft. Worth. I will update on the experience later.

After work I stopped by another vet to get Gizmo's heartworm stuff and then came home and relaxed a bit. Amy stopped by briefly. Then I started getting cleaned up for Aaron's birthday bash! It was at Main Event in Plano. We bowled and had lots of fun.

Here's the black light bowling experience.





We ate yummy burgers...







And cake...



After singing Happy Birthday of course...





Dave makes bowling look good.



But, I still beat him. : )

Thursday, August 16, 2007

I skipped hump day.

Today was work 8-4. I had 4 ad indexes to do and millions of reports to run. It was a busy day.

I came home after work and took the dogs on a little walk.

Then, since Dave is gone to my past home city (College Station) I decided to make some oatmeal raisin cookies. By the way, you can see hilarious pictures of Dave at work on Randomshirts.com. Click on the guy's funny T's and then click on separate designs to see his cute little face. Like this...



So back to the oatmeal cookies. I couldn't resist the great afternoon light.







For healthier cookies use apple sauce in place of shortening!



Mix Mix Mix!



Before...



After!



I had a couple. The rest are going to work with me tomorrow!

I think I am going to make some hot tea and read a good book tonight. Molly missed Dave... She waits by the back door and just stares at it. It's so cute.

Have a great night everyone!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Hello! Today started out as a typical day. I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast though! I woke Dave up early to eat them, too!

After work I ran a few errands and stopped by Best Buy to get Madden 08 for Dave. He's way excited!

Then, I came home and got cleaned up to go to Lindsey's birthday bash at Christina's in Plano. It was fun! Here ya go...



I am a close relative to the giraffes. Check out my long neck.



Margarita before.



Happy Birthday to you.... Happy Birthday to you...





Bryce and his mom...



Paul has alien fingers...



Dave "levitating".



Margarita after... This was all I could have.



Paul had fun.



The end.

Monday, August 13, 2007

My, my, Monday. Today was a quick day. I have quit drinking coffee since last week. Green Tea is now my hot drink of choice. It hasn't been easy and I have had a few headaches lately.

I came home and worked out and then laid out in the pool until Dave got home. He joined me and we chatted about the day and such. It was nice.

We came in and ate some dinner. I had left over black beans and rice. I played with it before I ate it.



I decided to go and get Dave Madden 08 from Best Buy only to find it isn't available until tomorrow. And they open at 10 AM when I am at work. Stinks.

I came back home and lookie what I found! I have two rose buds on my mini rose bush!



And now, here I am updating my blog and having well, a nice cup of coffee. I know, I know. But, I was craving it. And it is GOOD!



Molly thought so, too.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Happy Sunday everyone! I went to 9 o'clock service today so I could teach at 11. It was the last Sunday in a series of sermons over cultivating our lives. Today the topic was worship which was awesome. Barry preached a few minutes but most of the services was spend singing praises to an absolutely wonderful God. He talked about singing as a weapon in our lives which might sound funny to some but it made total sense to someone who often finds her most intimate moments with God in song. Althought my voice is nowhere near the greatest there is a connection in the surrender of everything just to tell my God how great He is. I've been reminded lately of all the crap that I have been through in my life and the fact that I might not be here today without a God who's strength is so indescribable to someone who has never felt it's power. There is one thing that I can never doubt, in fact, I cling to it, that in my life there has been and always will be a God who never let me out of His sight, who loves me, forgives me, and won't let me fall.

The kids were great as always today. We learned about Jonah today and how God always brings us back to where He called us in the first place. They were funny. One told me a story about going fishing and his dad's friend stabbed a water moccasin with his fishing pole and threw it in the water. The big fish reminded him of it. And one said that cats like to swim. They are quite a random bunch. They retained relevant info I promise. They are very bright!

After church I came home and ran a few errands. Then Dave and I went swimming with our new floats! We almost passed out blowing them up.



I got a pink one for me and a blue one for Dave.



Then we came home and Dave made some black beans and rice with a zucchini flair. Yummy!

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Well, another week has come and gone and I found myself waking up pleasantly pleasant this morning. Dave was gone for the morning so I spent it making some yummy french toast and watching the morning news. There's something that happens from 8-10 that we miss every morning if you work. It's really a beautiful time of day. Don't ask me why. It just is.

After breakfast, I began cleaning the apartment which actually went by pretty fast and I am a thorough cleaner.



This is my third dog. I call him Scrubby.



Dave came home and started working on his jeep. He got a new bikini top for it which I am thrilled about. It means less wind damage to me and not having to close my eyes on rides for fear that my contacts are going to blow out of my eyes. He also is waiting for the new carpet to come in so in the mean time he is sanding all the rust form the body. It was quite loud.





One day I will be able to use this. Dave is going to teach me.



Also, if anyone is interested in an Omega B-22 enlarger let me know. It's in perfect condition.



I went and laid out by the pool again and made a new friend. They said their name was Aloe. Aloe Vera. I'm fried like Church's Chicken.



For dinner we ate some burgers which is always yummy.



Molly is still a conehead but I think she has adapted to her condition. You should see her try to chew a bone. Hilarious.



Well kids, I am off to bed. Goodnight!

Friday, Aug 10, 2007

So I took a little photo sabbatical. There are some weeks where things just don't float your boat. And when your boat is sinking, the best thing to do is get out and start swimming. I've been swimming all week. :)

So to catch you up on the highlights of the week...

Monday was work, a Sundae Soiree at the church for women (we had yummy ice cream and played silly games), and then I came home to a lovely surprise. Dave got me this...



A 22 freakin inch monitor! Photo heaven! It makes my mac look puny.

Tuesday was nothing special.

Wednesday was the last day of ceramics. I picked up all my wonderful pieces. Here's a few of them!



This is a platter and serving cups...



Here's some detail...



And a birdhouse...



Tea anyone?



Another detail shot...



That's all I have for now.

Yesterday was a long day. I laid out by the pool after work which was hard to do. Everyone with their summer of tanning bodies and me with, well, my fresh out of winter glow.

Today was work again and working on the winter glow dilemma again. After the pool I came inside and took a nice shower and am relaxing for the rest of the night. Cheerio!

Sorry guys...

Sorry guys... rough week.

I will update tonight!

Sunday, August 5th, 2007

Today, I spent some time alone. I stayed home from church and grabbed my Bible and have a great quiet time with God. I really needed those few hours to be refreshed and encouraged. Here's pieces of my solitude.









Dave came home after church and took a nap. I ran a few errands and then came home, made some dinner, and then we watched 23. It was pretty good. A bit weird but good. I hope everyone has a great week.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Happy Saturday everyone! We slept in today which was soooo nice. That's what Saturday mornings were created for. Then, we woke up and had some biscuits and jelly. I had some famous Dunlap fig preserves which are AWESOME. Dave had his usual Bama jam. He thinks it's the best because it says Bama.



After breakfast... well, brunch, I got ready to go to school. I had lots of pieces to glaze before the studio closed today. I saw this on my way out. It was cool but creepy at the same time.



After school I came home and my poor Molly was a conehead.



She is very annoyed, hurt, and sad right now.



We relaxed a bit before deciding to go get a couple movies. We got Hot Fuzz and 23. Hot Fuzz was hilarious and we didn't get around to 23. All in all... it was a nice, relaxing day.

Friday, Aug 3, 2007

Another week has come and gone and I have kept this blog going for 2 weeks! Yah!

Work went by fast today. I have been bringing my iPod with me and I think the music makes time fly by. At least it helps when you have a job that can sometimes get monotonous. I dealt with this itchy, burny thing all day.



Three mosquito bites on one tiny toe! Mosquitos suck.

I came home after work and tried getting some chores done but I was tired so I took a nap. A much needed nap. Then Dave came home with Molly who got the snips today. She wasn't feeling too great. Her and Dave took a nap.



Gizmo joined in, too.



We are relaxing tonight. It's definitely needed.

Thursday, Aug 2, 2007

Today was work again, a busy day at that.

After work I came home and made some queso and headed over to the Cave's for a RandomShirts.com get together. Dave is loving his new job and I am so proud of him. Bess made an awesome dessert.



And Aaron made some yummy burgers. After dinner we played horseshoes and hung out and talked for awhile. Then, we came home and went to sleep. We were tired as usual.

I hope...

I can be like this woman when I am 94. Uh-mazing. Stop polluting. I need as many brain cells as possible.

http://http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070802/wl_nm/australia_masters_dc_1

Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007

It's August! 2007 is flying by.

Today was a busy day at work. I was ad close so I was entering orders, rounding up materials, and making sure everyone is happy.

After work I came home to this... again.



And Molly told me she didn't like leashes.



I learned that this stuff doesn't work.



After I took care of the mess at home I left for school just in time for it to start raining.



And rain in Dallas means this for the 4th day in a row for me.



At least the sky was pretty.



School didn't last long because my pieces were being fired and I had nothing else to do but glaze a few pieces that were done.

After school, I headed to PetsMart to buy a huge crate for Molly.



That's right. Molly gets crate trained starting today. I don't need high blood pressure at the age of 22. I am laying on the couch listening to her whine as I type. One day I will be appreciative of all this work. One day.