Aging

Today I posted a picture on Facebook of me 5 years ago. Later this evening, I posted one of me and Shelley at dinner. I look at my face, and I see age. Not more than I should, but it's hard to swallow the pill that I'm going with the times. I don't want to show any aging, however there is no way to stop it. 

Night creams and a healthier lifestyle may need to take over. 

It's one thing to age gracefully with someone you love. It's a bit terrifying to age as a single person, what if I'm not shiny a new? Will I be more overlooked ?

Left was tonight, right was 5 years ago.

The End of Summer

Hello all,
 I write this from the comfort of my kitchen table, on the Eve of the 2014-2015 school year. I call it the Sunday of all Sundays. The day every teacher dreads once the conclusion of a school year happens - The Sunday before the real world sets back in. Early mornings, parent phone calls, late nights, laughter, tears, studying, and observations - all crammed into "187" days.

I've sat down and averaged out my hours for work:
Average work day: 7:00a-5:00p (10 hours) 187 days
Typical commute: 1hr 5 min (each way) 2hr 10 min ** I don't count this**
Concert nights:  additional 5+ hours (9 of them) 45 hours
Region Band Auditions: 10 Hours
Region band clinic: 12 Hours
Solo and Ensemble Recitals: 9 hours (over 3 days)
Solo and Ensemble Contest: 8 hours
Trip days: (2) 27 hours
Before School start hours  (over summer): 65 (estimate)

So lets see:
1870 - for average week
45- Concert nights
10 - Region Band Auditions
12 - Region Band Clinic
9- Solo and Ensemble Recital days
8- solo and ensemble contest
27-trips (not during the school day kind)
65- Summer time at school
TOTAL: 2046 in my contracted 187 day pay scale...

9-5 job 5 days a week for 50 weeks a year: 2000 hours in 250 days.
It's madness to think of it in these numbers. Specially since I was conservative with my time. Maybe this year, I can make my own clock in-out system so I can really do the math. Would be interesting to see how many hours I physically am on the clock.
I'm not complaining, but rather, trying to prove my point. My bout with depression like symptoms today makes sense... I've spent most of my time in my room, lying in bed, sitting in silence..occasionally sleeping, but mostly just enjoying the calmness and rest before the storm.

My job is incredibly rewarding. This has been shown in my past week at school, catching up with students and seeing them after the summer break. We have awesome students at my school. They aren't angels all of the time, but they're wonderful people.

I've tossed around the idea of traveling abroad to teach in the future. I've become enamored with the idea of living in a different country and being out of my comfort zone. Will that actually happen? I'm not sure. I feel I'm barely beginning to scratch the surface of my career at the moment, and I can find comfort in knowing success is at a moments grasp.

So I end the summer with this.
I am a traveler who teaches when I'm at home. Exposing my students to my knowledge is my passion. Not only in the realm of music, but in life. I've learned this summer that any thing is possible if you set your mind to it. Even if it means 3 cruises totaling 2 weeks at sea in 2 months... I live for tomorrow and am grateful for the "right now". I almost feel unworthy for the people I've met this summer. How am I so lucky? I can't answer that, so all I can say is Thank you. To whomever graced me with these opportunities, people, and experiences. I'm eternally grateful. I pray that I may continue receiving these gifts and opportunities in the future.


Goodbye Summer. Like my new friends and acquaintances, you will be missed, but I shall see you again, in time.

This sums it up:

 Dallas

 Galveston Ferry ride with shelley

 Karaoke in Lake Charles

Evie and Dad at King's Biergarten

Shelley and I riding the Bolivar Ferry

Alex, Myself, Ioachim, and Marko - Last night August Cruise

Mom and I starting Back-to-Back cruises!

Facetime with my lovely EE

A fun Joke

Last night on the Back-to-Back cruise in July: Milos, Alex, Mom, Me, Dad, and Marko

Copper and I cuddling at the lake

two weeks on the Triumph!

My favorite part of cruising!

Evie's first time getting in the water at the lake!

Best picture of the summer! Lots of time in Katy!

My heaven on Earth

I could live like this

Sad it's over- happy it happened.

I'm Leaving on a Cruise Ship

Guess what folks, I am leaving on a cruise ship in 2 days!!! One again, I will be sailing in what I call, my "happy place".
I will be out of count for 9DAYS!!! ahhh- even better
4 day sailing on the Triumph to Cozumel
then
5 day sailing on the Triumph to Cozumel and Progresso!

Can NOT wait.

Much to do between now and Thursday. Much to do.

June - found this in my drafts FOLDER! takes me WAYYY back (June 2008)

Greetings blog-readers. I'm sure its still the same three people that read it. but thats okay.

I'm back in Lubbock now, for Summer 1 session. I'm taking my last theory class this time around. Form and Analysis. Unfortunately, this is the hardest class of my college career. Fortunately, it is my only class this session, so it gets all of my attention.

I just got back from a great evening with three very important girls. Sarah T, Olivia E, and Tiffany G. We met up at Olive Garden at 6 for dinner. The four of us sitting there talking about our "teaching woes" of Practicum. How silly kids are in Elementary schools, and even men. Which seemed appropriate for the second part of our evening. After dinner (and a free desert compliments of a lengthly wait time for our meal) we went to see "Sex and the City". Now I'm not saying I'm some addicted girl worshiping Prada, Chanel, Louis Vutton, or even Roberto Cavalli, but tonight I put on my high heels, did my hair and make up... and looked the part of a true city girl. Even a movie with such interesting topics and scenes, managed to make me laugh the hardest laugh I've had in a long while. Once the theater and I caught our breaths I turned to Sarah and said " I didn't even know it, but I needed that."

Seeing "Carrie Bradshaw" (Sarah Jessica Parker) writing about her life (however fictitious it is) makes me want to catch everyone up on mine...

I'm 22 years old now, and still am in school. I'm entering my "super-senior" year, yet I don't feel all that super about it. I still struggle with keeping my room clean. I don't really do laundry in a timely manor, therefore I spend some days working through 7 loads. I don't mind the washer\dryer part... its the folding\hanging up that I hate... but in my awesome wisdom of a 22year old, I realize that I feel better when its put up... Funny I know...
I enjoy bourbon\whiskey, with coke of course. A nice fruity concoction is nice from time to time though. I love drought (draft) beer. Actually I don't even know how to spell that word... I realize that I don't have reasons for my actions 100% of the time.
I don't know what I'm going to do with my life once I graduate. My favorite option at this point is, take my resume'\application and drop it (hypothetically) over the Houston metropolitan area. I'll go to the highest bidder. That could be teaching\business\PR... Whichever...

Now the hard part, the reason I came home and really really wanted to write...
This really isn't for EVERYONE to read, but I need to say this to someone who can read it, so I can at least get it off my chest... Even if the person who should hear it never does...

I have this best friend. I have never told him that. But he truly is my best friend. He's the friend that I can talk to about nothing for days on end, and not be bored. We talk about everything, (except what I'm writing right now) past relationships, friendships, family, school, music, work, traveling, God, life, and death. He's my favorite dance partner, hell I even taught him how to polka, and waltz. (Dad I still love dancing with you, but you've go some competition.) Over the past six months that friendship has just grown into a tight bond. I trust him with my words, my secrets, and my stories. My life has been blessed with him in it. I love my best friend. In our discussions he and I have both agreed that right now (in our lives) we need to be selfish. As individuals we both want to do our own thing, to make our own. Not really looking at adulthood as relationship based with anyone, but ourselves. Which sounds great to me. I like that idea, really I do.

But being up here in Lubbock, and him back home, I'm finding the reality check. A wise woman once told me "Its easy to say you're "just" friends when you see the person every day. The real truth comes out when you're apart".

I know that right now I'm no where NEAR seeing diamond rings, or even hearing wedding bells.
However, I do know, that when I lie down in my bed at night up here, I toss and turn wishing he was by my side, so I can just talk to him. I could give him a hug, or even just be in his presence.

I'm not sure what this means at this point.
I do know that I'm horrified that once I do go home, that things will have changed drastically. Kind of like they did with Dave. I come back from being away for half a summer, and poof... all that happiness is gone. Thats that scar I brought up a few entries back... I just have to trust our friendship. (I'm trying my best)



A very lonely Lubbock-prisoned: PMSing -Emily

I Was Born A Rambling (Wo)man

Hello,
Summer is here, and I find myself sitting back at the extra desk at my parents office. It has been an eventful end of the school year, and I close the second "rookie" experience of my life time as a first year band director.

From April-May, I had a bout with some medical issues in regards to my gastric system. After a month of searching for the source of my ailment, I had my gallbladder taken out on May 14. A week off of work (about) and long recovery, I'm finally coming back around to a more functioning system.

Nail biting- since December I've been getting my nails done, trying to kick the habit of biting my nails. However, I have found (even with acrylic) that my fingers find their way to my mouth. I don't care if some people say " it takes 28 days to kick a habit", that's bullshit (pardon my language). I guarantee that if I were to stop getting them done, I'd still have the habit. I swear its an instinct or something. So I will just keep getting them done.

Traveling: This summer (2 weeks to be exact) Mom and I will set sail on a 4 day cruise out of Galveston. When we return, instead of disembarking the ship and headed home, we will stay aboard and sail for the 5 day that follows! Dad will actually meet us at the port and join us for that sailing! I'm looking forward to it, even if I'll be at Cozumel twice, and Progreso once. Haha

Baby Shower and Bachelorette Party: the weekend of July 12, I will be in Alabama to celebrate the the impending arrival of one of my best friend's baby girl! Then, the following weekend (July 19) I will be in the DFW area for another one of my girlfriend's bachelorette party night.

Work: My work plan this summer is to help out here at the office to help pay my medical debt, in between stopping down at Freeport to take care of stuff for next year.

Those are my ramblings for now\summer plans. Hope you are well.

E

Cruise and cruise again

My obsession with cruising is reaching a new high this summer. Mom and I are booked on back to back sailings on the carnival triumph! Yup you heard me correctly, 4 day then straight into a 5 day sailing! I couldn't be more excited. I hope dad comes with us one of them. I would love to sail with both my parents again. Would be a blast!

Sunshine and Summertime

This weekend marks the best news I've received in a while. WARM weather is coming! Today and yesterday I could drive with my windows down and wear flip flops without feeling like a fool.

I look forward to summer and sunshine. Moreso, I find more anticipation of contest being over. Not that I'm prepared for it by any means, I just am ready for the weight to be lifted off my shoulders.

I hope that these next 9 weeks go by quickly, mama needs a summer vacation, like fish needs water.

I finally feel as if I got rest this weekend, and I'm very grateful. Granny Jackie isn't out of the woods yet, but we'll just have to be patient for her to heal. Sometimes, I fear, that patience runs thin within myself.


Mom and I are trying to get summer cruise booked for a family trip. I haven't cruised with Mom and Dad in over a year!

Maybe we'll get something booked by the end of this week.


Hope all is well.
E

Super parents

 Hello all, I greet you from an exhausted state and the comfort of my bed. Tonight marks the closure to one of the most challenging weekends I've experienced and the beginning of massive caregiving from my dad/mom.

My 81 year old grandmother took a spill off a step ladder this last Thursday evening. Praise The Lord, nothing is broken/torn, just bruised. 

Since my grandfather has passed away, all care-giving is now passed on to my aunts and my mother, to make sure Jackie is well taken care of.

Unfortunately, my aunts have a bit of a disadvantage to caregiving with the distance from other states, but luckily there are still a few of us here in Texas that can assist in the case of emergency. 

This weekend I was exposed to a harsh reality with my grandma. Life as an 80+ year old is extremely fragile, and even with no broken bones, damage can be done that would (to a 28 year old) seem minor. 

This weekend I witnessed the uber-strength of my father. Let me just outline his schedule from Thursday-Monday....

-Thursday: 5:30a-12:30a. ( he came my my band concert which means the world to me),

-Friday: 5:30a-11:45p (with a stop to the ER to take care of granny)

-Saturday: 6:00a-11:45p (which includes 8 hours of driving) 

-Sunday: 5:00a-11:00pm cooking/cleaning/medicating my grandma 

Monday- 4:00a-11:00pm doctors appointment, cooking, cleaning, and medicating my grandma. (Two hours driving home, and two hours talking with mom while she drives to Victoria) AND taking care of work at the same time.....

Superman indeed.

Now there is my mom, who is queen of cruising but has never encountered a trip ending like today with the oil spill...

She spent all day, waiting to get off the ship, so she can go help her mom. Who has swallowed her pride and officially accepted the fact that she can no longer do whatever she wants to do when she feels like it.

I know many of my Facebook/ blog peeps will think that's stupid to defend, but coming from a person who lives with an 80 year old, it's a tough pill to swallow to say "I can't". Specially when you've been able to, so long. 

Let me put this in terms that made it way easier for me to get past my anger towards a stupid decision....

Hypothetical: you're a parent of an 8 year old, who jumps out of a tree and breaks his arm (after you told him not to). Are you mad at him? Hell, yes. But do you abandon him in a time of need, no.

So as much as I'm frustrated with having to accommodate my stubborn grandma's actions, I know that she's being cared for as a stubborn 8 year old would. He/she doesn't know they can't do it, even though I know the truth.

A harsh reality for them, and annoying to clean up their consequences, but such is the circle of life.

My parents are great. They might have their quirks and obsessions, but they're teaching me wonderful life lessons along the way, and I'm grateful.

Prayers for my grandmother are appreciated. Praises for my parents are also welcome.

I pray you never have to see your own grandparents in the state I saw mine.

E

Dream Bigger

When I graduated High school, one of my best friends gave me a photo of a home I fell in love with while we were looking at Christmas lights one year. Around the picture frame it says "DREAM - shoot for the moon, that-away, if you fall, you'll land amongst the stars" I sleep with this photo on my night stand. However I don't always remember to look at it and apply it to my life.

This evening I talked with Mom over some delicious Marble Slab about this picture, and how its reminding me to have a dream.
In my last posts, they haven't been very positive, because I've felt a lot of negativity inside my own mind, yet I find myself now, encouraged. (When it comes to work) -
These next few weeks are going to be extremely challenging for me, late nights, long rehearsals and many things to take care of before competitions begin April 8-9.
I'm comforted by the fact, that when it's all said and done, I will be able to say "I gave it my all". That is reassuring that I know I'm doing enough.

"I want to dream as big as a I can, so if I don't make my goal, I know it'll still be awesome" - Emily Boedeker

A Rut

Hello long lost blog world, I just got my laptop back out since a while, and I'm passing time before I meet my friend Shannon and her boyfriend for an early dinner.
I'm in quite of a rut at the moment with a lot going on. Work is extremely busy and I find myself being bogged down by it. I'm not sure if I can handle the pressure that comes with it, and that breaks my heart. I want to be the best at my job, and this one is just so challenging, I don't know if I can ever be the best.
I'm going on a cruise in 15 days, so I guess I could "cheer" up by packing. I so look forward to traveling away, even if its brief. I can't wait to get on board the ship and sigh a breath of relief before come back to work for chaotic contest season.

Well, I know this is brief, but I must look for something else to keep my attention.

Em

Am I broken

Sometimes i feel broken. Like there is something wrong with me

A Man and His Dog

Every morning when I leave the hotel, I walk out the last to go across the Danube bypass into the InnerStadt. The past several mornings on this walk, I've crossed paths with this older man and his Chow on their morning walk. Being the dog lover I am, I smile kindly at the man, and then at his dog (who I've named chow in my mind), with out much exchange in acknowledgement from either of them. 

This morning, I was bundled up in my lime green fleece, and was making my way to the Stadt, when I once again see my morning commute colleagues. However, Chow isn't on his usual leash, and Mr. Chow is investigating a shiny new electronic car parked on our street. When our paths cross, I look up at Mr. Chow and smile my usual morning smile, and like old friends he tells me "Morgan" as in "mornin'" in the states. For the first time in the 4 days I see he's a kind gentleman, soft blue eyes, defeating the cold so chow can get his morning walk in. 

Mr. Chow, whoever you are, you make Vienna all that more special to me. A complete stranger who I know nothing about, you are magnificent.

I love this city, I may have to move here some day.

-Em  

Tears of wonder

Today, as I walked through the Jewish museum here in Vienna, I well up in tears. The overwhelming knowledge that is available in this city brings me to my knees. In that same museum, I saw the gut wrenching uncut yellow stars stating "JUDE" on them, and in the same museum I see the exact musical score Wagner took notes on of his performance. 

Next museum, of historical instruments, I'm reduced to puddles seeing instruments Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Haydn performed on for big audiences and a small amount of guests.

You must come to Vienna. All of you. 

Searching for the routine

Hello again, blog world. I post this update from the comfort of a bubble bath. Yes, electronics and water don't mix, but with my new life proof case on my phone, it can handle the "whoops" if it decides to make a splash.

Today is Labor Day, and I can't be more thankful for the time off. Yes, I know school just started, however this past week I have felt very overwhelmed. 

First of all, I really truly love directing. I haven't had this much fun teaching, in a very long time. While I don't regret sticking out the past years at my old job, I can't imagine trying to "tough it out" anymore. Not when I know how much fun it should be. I'm anxious to really develop a work schedule/routine. That should happen this week, thankfully. I do have fears though, I hope I can contribute to the band program as I am expected to do, and that the commute to work won't weigh down on me too much. Luckily the drive is an easy one, just takes time. 

Working towards a goal: one thing I am already enjoying about the job is that there are well paced goals throughout the year. October 24 is our first concert, November 1, we play with the high school band at a football game, December has a couple Christmas concerts. This helps me with pacing of my lessons and rehearsals. 

81 days till I'm off to Vienna! Yes, I've booked my trip! I'm beyond excited for this quick adventure that is to happen. Nov. 22-30 I'll be in the city of music! Walking the Danube, visiting some jazz taverns I've researched, and hopefully hearing a concert or two. Just me and my suitcase, the way I've dreamt to do it!

Unfortunately, I'm still victim of these monstrous headaches since the accident. Not sure how to fix them besides waiting. It's very irritating, but I don't have time to waste trying to find a solution. There is work to be done. Hopefully sooner than later I'll get relief.

That is all I have for now, 

dream Big

Pray often

Wish well

Em

August Update

Hello there blog world. I write this update from the night before my first real day on the job, tomorrow. It will be new teacher orientation this week at my new job. I'm looking forward to meeting other new teachers, along with getting more acquainted with the area I will be teaching in, since its quite further from my current stomping grounds.

I'm still working on options for my Thanksgiving travels, but I feel like I will end up in Vienna Austria. So much music history there, art history, and different culture. Seems like a great place to spend my first solo week in Europe. Airfare seems reasonable and renting an apartment for the week, should be the best space for the money. Along with that, I will be able to cook to save money while there. Will probably book that at the end of September.

- photo from Facebook

I mean come on! Austria is gorgeous!

 

 

Unfortunately I was in my first automobile accident on August 2nd, a guy in his truck pulled out in front of me, while making a left turn into a business driveway. It was his fault, but unfortunately my car was pretty much totaled. I will find out this week if his insurance company will claim it as a total loss. :( Bruised up and a concussion, luckily, today is the best my head has felt all week. Not 100% but I am definitely on the mend. THANK GOD.

 

 

 

 

Other than starting my new job, thinking of Austria, and recovering from the accident, that is what I've been up to. Looking forward to the new things and changes happening. It's like a new start, a new life.

 

Hell, I'm getting a new car, it seems appropriate. LOL

 

 



Priorities and Passion (another long post)

I've had some quiet time to myself this morning, sipping on a few cups of coffee, researching more potential travel locations for Thanksgiving week. As with any trip I take, I make sure to assess my budget. Money is something I try my best to maintain control of, but also spend regularly. I know this isn't a great response to why I do this, but my true answer is "Why Not?". Of course, that got me thinking about the "why" and I realize, it all comes down to priorities and passions.

I was rarely a straight A student, if I was, it was in Elementary School. Learning never really came easily to me, until the latter part of my time at Texas Tech University. As I've grown older, I have found, that I retain more information or knowledge by witnessing\experiencing lessons. Now, being an educator and having many educator friends, I can already hear that "DUH, that is why hands on lessons are the best for students to learn. I'm not necessarily talking about x= -b\ac -2y  or how to properly indent a cover letter, I'm talking about understanding life, cultures, people, and history. I might not remember the exact year the USS Alabama was active in battles (sometime in the 40s I believe), but I do remember the feeling of the cramped quarters, the heat of the dining area, the size of the weapons on the outer decks. (Does that make sense?)

Seeing as I'm 27, single, employed, and a homeowner, I have a lot of priorities set already. I have to work, to pay for my house, and to fund one of my passions, learning.

Learning is my creme-d-la-creme, my lifeline, reason for existence, essentially. I've found that I love learning, however, as an adult my favorite kind of learning happens when I'm not in a classroom, but experiencing it (see the theme here), To achieve my love, I travel. I'm not saying that Texas, or Houston doesn't offer enough learning experiences for me, but the topics I want to learn about are elsewhere.
I want to learn, what it's like to stay in a place that has hundreds or thousands of years of history, what it is like to not live USA, what it is like to be able to travel through several countries in a week. I want to learn about other Universities, lifestyles of people who are different. I want find the similarities in my culture and theirs. I want to experience the different foods, smells, traditions, and even friendships.

I love music, I love teaching music. When I'm not daydreaming about my dream travels, I'm thinking of music. Witnessing it, embracing it, and sharing it. I've found in every place I've been (in my life), music is a constant, I know I'm probably speaking what millions of others have said, but it is true. If I can inspire my students to seek music in every aspect of their life, whether it be at home, on vacation, in their rooms, or even in their minds. I've done my job as a music educator.

I suppose I'm the luckiest woman in the world. I teach and share music because it is my passion, my reward for sharing that is to travel and LEARN. Which happens to be my second passion.


I don't care who you are, that is freakin' awesome.

-Em

Little Helena while I was writing this post: (foster dog- with Dachshund Rescue of Houston)

Thoughts and Ramblings

This morning, when my alarm went off for me to go to work, something didn't seem right. Maybe it was my dreams last night, maybe it was something I ate yesterday, but whatever it was- put me in a funk.

I spent yesterday down at Freeport, getting my contract signed and visiting with my new Head Director, Linda. I think she and I are going to make a great team. We have our schedules for the year mapped out (as best we can), and I'm looking forward to getting started as a Band Director.

However, I think part of my funk this morning is that I am terrified. I'm not a huge advocate of change, even though I'm the first person to book any vacation to a country or place POLAR opposite as to what I'm used to, however I've disected it today, to realize this:

I love traveling because it removes me from my "routine" and forces me to relinquish control.

Lately, I've been obsessed with trying to book another trip, and this is why:

Change is happening in my life, a BIG change. 1 hour commute, older students, more time outside the school day, and starting from scratch. This is WAYYYYYYY different than what I've been accustomed to the past 4 years, teaching Elementary School. I feel as if I have no mental capacity to comprehend how my life will change. How different will my paychecks be? Will the commute become too much for me? Will I even like it? Will I live up to the expectations of the people who hired me?

So why do I want to book a trip? When I book a trip, I elect to get away from my routine, I enjoy it because I know my routine will be home when I return. Right now, my routine doesn't exist as I'm waiting for the school year to start, so I'm trying to find something I can control- aka. Traveling.

Does that make any sense? It does to me inside my mind, just don't know if I put it into words correctly.

I'm pretty much the Queen of running away, booking a trip right now, puts a bandaid on the fact I'm scared of my new career. I'm excited, don't get me wrong, but the change is intimidating.

So there you have it, more ramblings from me.

-Em

New Job - New Beginnings

I guess a later date has arrived.

This past February (as you have probably read in my posts), I came to terms with the fact that I needed a change in my career. My heart was torn between what I knew, and what I wanted. What I knew wasn't what I needed, but if you know me, you know that change isn't something easy for me.

After several interviews, and possible job opportunities, I was approached by a former Band Director in my High School days, about a new job position open not too far from home (but still a little commute). I offered my resume to be given to that head director, and went through the interview process there, and everything worked from there. I am the new assistant band director at Freeport Intermediate. I will direct the second band at the Intermediate school (grade 7-8) and teach 3 beginning brass classes at the Middle school (5-6).

Tomorrow I head down to Freeport (hour drive) to sign my contract, get my health insurance all set up, and then I will spend the afternoon with Linda, the Head Director I will be working with.

I'm looking forward to this new adventure. I hope the transition from Elementary Music teacher to Secondary Band Director isn't too difficult, and I enjoy it as much as I remember enjoying it in College.

That is all for now.

I will hopefully be taking a big vacation this Thanksgiving break over seas. But I won't know that for sure, until I get my schedule this week...

I love the possibility of booking a trip. Specially a big one!

Em
*pic- walking streets of San Juan Puerto Rico*

Carnival Liberty

Hello dear friends and family. I know I don't post on here near enough, specially compared to last summer.

This summer didn't have a long road trip, but it did include a week long cruise (shocker) aboard the Carnival Liberty.

Now, first and foremost, I like to say my addiction to traveling is imbedded deep within my heart and each time I have an amazing vacation, it gets worse.

This cruise was by far the best cruise of my life. It was number 33 or 34 (yes, I'm a little grey on my numbers) and it blew me away.

1st - "Cheers " drink package--> AMAZING
2nd - crew\staff were --> BEYOND AMAZING
3rd- Ship --> Stunning
4th- Stops\Itinerary --> FANTASTIC (even with a change because of Tropical Storm Chantal)
5th- People --> Met AMAZING people


This cruise had it all, I hope to stay in contact with my new friends and maybe feed my travel addiction some by going to see them in their respective places of the world. I only hope my next cruise is as fantastic as this one. It will be a hard one to beat.

PS. I have a new job. (b

ut that is another post, for a later time)

A special lady

I make this post as I'm riding down highway 45 with Mom, Dad, and Shelley. We're headed home from a weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. As always we had a wonderful time way hung the races, relaxing and enjoying time together.

On Friday, Shelley celebrated her 29th birthday. As we're driving right now and I'm listening to my iPod, I am reflective of who this woman is.

My sister is incredible. A true person of her word, woman of reason, woman of leadership, and of love.
There aren't many people in this world that I respect more than her.
I've cried with her, laughed with her, hated her, loved her, been angry with, missed terribly, and even been mean to her. However, through every single emotional thing we've been through, she is the same Shelley that threw a mud pie in my fave 23 years ago.

I know most of my friends and people have siblings that are incredible, but there is sadness in my heart because I really feel like I got the jack pot.

So, to my incredible woman, Shelley. Happy birthday, love you with all my heart. You're my best friend, my sister, my other half.