An afternoon in the park...

At my office, we like to celebrate birthdays in a grand way. This week, one of my coworkers had her birthday so of course, we had to celebrate. We took a long (2.5 hour) lunch and went to Bayou Bend. This place is fantastic. It is in the middle of Houston and when you're there, you really get the feeling that you're not in the city. We went to Brown Bag Lunch (yummy!) and picked up sandwiches to eat at the park before you go in. The grounds and house used to belong to a woman named Ima Hogg. She was gracious enough to leave the property to the Museum of Fine Arts when she passed away. I love my job and the perks it comes with. A 2.5 hour lunch in the park is a fantastic way to spend hump day.

This suspension bridge to get onto the property is a little scary but so cool. 

Self-portrait- geez I look tired in this picture

Hockey= fights and freezing my rear end off.

Last Saturday night I went to the hockey game with a "friend." We had AMAZING seats. He knows the announcer guy and got us tickets for free! We were so close you could almost feel the glass shake when the players hit it. I will be the first to admit that I know nothing about hockey. But the game was exciting! We saw a really huge fight and the game went all the way to a shoot out. The Aeros lost unfortunately but it was still a fun time!

Zamboni. I want to ride one some day. 

Chilly (the mascot) came down and hung out with the crowd for a while. 

A little bit of the Old West...

Disclaimer: Another sorority post. I secretly wish I was still in college (and I guess it's not a secret anymore).

Last weekend, my sorority, Delta Zeta, paired up with Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity to put on the "Greatest College Show on Earth. The girls did a western themed drama that they wrote, acted in, danced in, and produced. Frontier Fiesta is a tradition at the University of Houston. It's been going on since 1939 so it's a pretty big deal. Each year, the fraternities and sororities pair up together and put on shows. Delta Zeta has NEVER won Frontier Fiesta in all the years it's been going on. Well that changed this year! They finally won the top prize and the girls were so excited! Here are a few iPhone pics that I snapped at one of their shows.

Girls Line Dance

Guy/Girl Stunt

The whole cast!

My friend Sheryl and I. She used to be the chapter advisor. I took her place when she had baby #2.

Excuse the crazy hair. It was 1,000% humidity that day and my hair was not cooperating. I also don't understand why I'm so hunched over. I look like the hunchback of Notre Dame. Oh well, it is what it is.

Throwback Thursday

It's Thursday and almost the end of the week. Thank goodness! I have a busy weekend ahead of me too so I'm already mentally preparing. I was going through my facebook pictures this morning in an effort to avoid getting started on my work. I found this lovely picture and thought it was most appropriate considering the situation.

This picture was taken at the Bears game on December 30, 2007. It was about ZERO DEGREES outside and I sat through the entire game all bundled up. I'm really not that large either. I just have about three sweaters on and a huge puffy jacket under my jersey. I kind of look the like Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters.

Now, you might be asking yourself- What situation is she talking about?!?!?!

Well, yesterday was a sad day for us Chicago Bears fans. The Bears failed to reach a contract agreement with Brian Urlacher which means he is now a free agent and no longer a Bear. I am VERY sad about this as he is one of my favorite players and the Bears are losing a legend. You can read about this disappointing news here.

However, for those that truly know me, they understand that my VERY favorite player on the Bears is the kicker- Robbie Gould. #9. Yes, I do own a Bears jersey and yes, it is the kicker's jersey. It's pretty much one of a kind because nobody wears the kicker's jersey, except me. I don't understand my fascination with #9 but he's awesome. And, every time I wear the jersey, I get a lot of funny looks. It's kind of amazing!

Evidence of my Robbie Gould fascination-

And this is how cold it was outside that day!

Also, check out my cool new signature. I'm slowly but surely getting better at this whole blogging thing.

Bye Bye Google Reader

Google Reader is going away so I'm switching over to Bloglovin. Super easy to do. You should do it too.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Weekend Recap

WOW! What an incredibly busy weekend! I'm sad it's already over. I somehow manage to pack each and every minute of my weekend with things to do. Friday night, I went with my old roommate to Moon Tower Inn aka. magical hot dog place. It's one of my favorite places to go to. It's a total dive bar and you sit outside at picnic tables but they have really interesting hot dogs. The one pictured below is a lamb hot dog. And that's potato salad made with bacon and gorgonzola. Yummy!!!

Clark learned that he loved watching TV. Our relationship was totally meant to be. I'm pretty sure he was obsessed with Vanderplump Rules.

I spent most of Saturday visiting with a friend that moved to Maryland. Her husband and her were back in town for the weekend so we hung out at his sister's place. At fajitas and queso and just relaxed. Except for the really intense game of Taboo we played. It got me sweating but my team came through with a 1 point victory. I got bored while driving back and this is what happens-

Saturday night I also had my first crawfish of the season. I love crawfish. A lot. I'm sure there will be many more days like this!

Clark also had his first bone on Sunday. He wasn't too sure about it. Chewed on it for about 30 seconds and then moved on. Don't worry though... He came back later and finished it. It's so much fun to watch a dog that is totally innocent and knows nothing learn about the world!

This morning, Clark discovered he really like my bed. This is what happened while I was in the shower. Total cuteness!

And I'm so bummed I missed the Blogger Meet Up this month. I had every intention of going but then I went to Sunday brunch that turned into lunch and almost dinner. Oh well... maybe next month. All in all a good weekend. Already looking forward to the next!

Clark. The Rescue Dog.

Monday was a big day for me. It began bright and early (6:15AM to be exact) where I was rudely awoken by our two family dogs barking their big crazy heads off. I stumbled downstairs wondering why my parents were being such neglectful parents and allowing the dogs to bark like crazy at that ungodly hour of the day. If they woke me up, I know they were waking up the neighbors and nobody should have to get up that early! As I stepped outside, I discovered this little guy (see picture below).

My dad had found him wandering around from car to car at a gas station. He was (and still is) super skinny so my dad felt bad for him and decided to bring him home. We tried to get him to eat but he wasn't having any of it so I left for work and called the vet to see if they could see him. Monday afternoon I brought him into the vet. He weighed only 36.8lbs and the vet said he is supposed to be between 50-60lbs so he is really underweight. He had no major things wrong with him though but he had a pretty bad case of fleas so we treated those. He got all his shots and heart guard and flea treatment. He wasn't tested for heartworm because he is too skinny to treat anyway. Once he gains some weight, I'll take him to be tested. Cross our fingers it's negative. He did have an ulcer in his eye that we are treating. But other than that, he is good to go! I named him Clark. The vet thinks he's 1 1/2 years old and a boxer mix.

He's currently been hanging out in the backyard but I'm getting a crate to so we can bring him inside. We got him eating food so he's one happy boy now! The other two dogs still aren't sure and are very bent out of shape about Clark being there. But they'll get used to it I hope. Since I spent $150 on the dog, I decided to keep him for now. Once he gets some weight on him, I'm going to take him to doggie obedience school so he can learn some manners. He has none right now.

Monday pictures-

So skinny you can see his ribs!

Tuesday picture. Already looking better.

If I Die Young...

Last Saturday, I had Rodeo trip #2 to go see The Band Perry with my friend Jen. They were amazing! Not as good as Dierks but still amazing. We met up with 2 of my other friends that were there, did some window shopping, visited the animals (my favorite part), ate a lot of food (baked potato, Texas taders, ice cream, funnel cake, and a corn dog). I'm so lucky to have been able to go to the Rodeo twice this year. Next year, I want to get season tickets so I can go to a lot more of the concerts!

On the bus heading to the Rodeo

Yum.

Baby goats. So cute.

Baby piglets. Even cuter!

This little guy got confused and wandered over to the wrong side of his Momma. Don't worry though. He found his way back to her. 

This Momma was due to have her babies the day we were there. She looks a little uncomfortable if you ask me. But really... who wouldn't be when they are due to give birth at any moment. 

Texas Taders and BBQ Baked Potato. 

This logo is on the side of the stadium seats. 

Waiting for the concert. Getting really inpatient. 

Finally! The Band Perry

Until next year Rodeo Houston. You were fun while you lasted!

Every Mile A Memory...

Last week I made my first of two visits to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. I absolutely love the Rodeo. The animals, the food, the entertainment, the people watching. It is one of my favorite times of the year! My friend Christine and I had tickets to see Dierks Bentley and he did not disappoint. Every song that he played was one that I knew so I was one happy girl. I'm pretty sure the people around me didn't appreciate my wonderful singing but that's what concerts are for!

Pictures of my adventure! 

Entrance to the Rodeo

Sausage on a stick and country fried bacon. I thought I died and went to heaven.

Fried Oreos for dessert

Mutton Bustin. Best Rodeo Event Ever!

Dierks!

Christine and I

Blah...

I've been feeling kind of blah lately. I've been sick for the past week and just haven't been 100%. I've also been crazy busy which I'm sure doesn't help with my sicky feeling. This weeks weigh-in was a wash. No pounds lost and no pounds gained. I'm super excited that UH is on Spring Break next week because that means I get a break from Delta Zeta! I need it. I have about 30 hours of DVR'd shows I need to watch. I'm putting this as my number one priority next week. It's been so long, I still haven't seen the last episode of Downton Abbey (but I know what happens). Tomorrow I'm going to post about my amazing time at the Rodeo last night. Dierks Bentley is a hottie and puts on an awesome concert!

That one time I joined a sorority...

Monday was International Badge Day. A day where all sorority members could wear their badge and show how proud they are to be greek. of course, I forgot to wear my badge. So in a small effort to redeem myself for not being the best sorority member I can be, I'm participating in this link up that my friend Whitney (who blogs at The Observant Turtle) created. Here's my story-

In the fall of 2000, I started at the University of Houston. I had previously spent a semester at a college in California (which I did not like) and then spent a semester in community college (aka the 13th grade). I wasn't sure about where I wanted to go to school and really wanted to take another year off but my mom said I had to go somewhere. So UH it was. I still remember my first few weeks there. I knew absolutely no one and went straight to class and then home each day. One day a few weeks into school, a girl walked up to me and asked me if I was interested in joining a sorority. I had never really thought about it but it seemed like a good way to meet people so I decided to go through fall recruitment.

Side note- Man oh man how the times have changed when it comes to recruitment. Back in the day, each sorority did what they called full frills recruitment. This basically entailed decorating a room from floor to ceiling with drapes, balloons, sorority paraphernalia, and in my sorority's case- anything pink and green. I remember walking into the rooms and thinking "wholly cow, there is a lot to look at in here." Now, there are no balloons, drapes, frills, and recruitment is really about having quality conversations with the girls going through. Totally different!

As recruitment went on, I quickly narrowed my choices down until I was left with just one- Delta Zeta. I remember going to their Preference Party at the River Oaks Garden Club. It was amazing! I talked to two women who I still keep in touch with today. I knew at that moment that Delta Zeta was going to be my home. But I was extremely nervous that they wouldn't want me. Lucky for me, they did and I joined Delta Zeta in September 2000 and never looked back.

Delta Zeta has given me so many opportunities I never thought I would have had. I went from being a complete introvert to learning how to randomly approach girls and recruit them. I gained public speaking skills having to give reports in meeting each week for 2 years. I got my first real boyfriend out of it and we dated for 5 years so I'd consider that a success. My college years were amazing and I wouldn't change a thing about it.

As president of the chapter in 2002, I got to attend Delta Zeta's National Convention at Miami University in Oxford, OH. It was our 100 year celebration and I felt honored to be there. Looking back, I had no idea how big of a deal it was. I still remember how I got to escort one of the past national officers down the aisle at awards banquet. This was a big deal. And I still remember her asking me to take the gum out of my mouth before we made the walk. I got to visit our National Headquarters and walk the grounds that our Founders walked 100 years ago. It was special and I wish I would have known how special it was at the time. But I was young and didn't know any better.

After my term as president, I was done with the chapter. Being president is a rough job and I was burned out. I still had a semester left before I could go 5th year Alum so I conveniently scheduled a class for Monday night so I wouldn't have to go to meeting. I needed a break. I spent all my time with my boyfriend and basically dropped everything Delta Zeta. After going 5th year, I really disconnected from everyone.

Upon graduation, I joined the Alumnae chapter but I still wasn't ready to recommit to Delta Zeta. I took on some smaller chair positions in the Alumnae chapter but didn't really give it my all. It wasn't that I didn't care, it was that I had given everything I had for 2 straight years being an officer in college and I needed a break. But my mind kept telling me that I was supposed to get involved so I did.

I then moved to Chicago and it was really easy to forget about Delta Zeta. There wasn't an Alumnae chapter close to me so I had an excuse not to be involved.

When I came back to Houston to go to law school, I moved in with one of my sorority sisters. At that time, she was the recruitment advisor for the UH chapter so it was hard not to get sucked back into being involved. I started coming around more and getting involved with the collegiate chapter. I joined the Alumnae chapter again. I knew I was ready to get involved again and recommit to an organization that had given me so much. When she "retired," I immediately put my name in the hat to be the next recruitment advisor. BEST DECISION EVER!

I spent 2 years helping the chapter with recruitment. It's kind of ironic because when I was in college, I hated recruitment. I never wanted to talk to anyone even though they made me. And then all of a sudden, I was teaching the girls how to have conversations (which is an art in itself). After 2 years of recruitment, the college chapter director (CCD) decided to "retire" and I was selected to help lead the chapter. It's a job that I am honored to have. It's not an easy job by all means and it takes up a lot of my time. I spend my Sunday evenings and Monday evenings with the girls and usually have a few other meetings each week. I'm in constant contact with the president and sometimes have to be the rule enforcer (which I hate). But I wouldn't change it for anything. I'm proud to be involved and treasure the path that Delta Zeta has taken me down. I have met so many amazing women and have so many awesome opportunities that I would have never had if that girl hadn't walked up to me one fall day and asked me to go through recruitment.

I only hope that I can show the current chapter how Delta Zeta is not only a college commitment but a lifetime commitment. To be able to share the same values and ritual with thousands of other women is something that I cherish each and every day. For those non-greek people out there, it's hard to understand how being part of an organization can have such a huge impact and make me who I am today. You'll just have to trust me when I say that without Delta Zeta, I wouldn't be where I am today. And I wouldn't change one minute of my experience so far and I look forward to many more years with Delta Zeta.

Final weigh-in of the month!!!

Look at all those butters!!!!

Yesterday was the final weigh-in of the month. I lost another pound for a grand total of 7.5 pounds! I think that's pretty good considering I didn't work out hardly at all and I had several bad days weekends. My clothes are fitting a little better. I'm one of those people that has to lose like 20 pounds before I drop a size which is super annoying but I'm slowly getting there. The verdict is still out on if I was the biggest loser of the month. I know I lost the most weight but since we are doing it on % of weight loss, I'm not sure.

Now that it's March, I'm going to set some new goals-

1. Run at least 2 times a week (I'm running a 5k tomorrow so I'm already off to a good start)
2. Eat less meat and more veggies (I'm thinking about going vegetarian for a while so any advice is welcome)
3. Continue with my no/limited soda routine (I am currently drinking a diet coke but it's my first one in weeks and I'm sick so I'm giving myself a pass)
4. Lose 8 pounds this month (or 2 pounds a week)

My inspirational picture of the week-

And spiritual enlightenment here.

Have a fabulous weekend!!!

UPDATE: I ENDED UP BEING THE BIGGEST LOSER THIS MONTH! YAY FOR ME! I WON $25! NOW ON TO MARCH!