life lately

Oh my, it has been awhile hasn't it.  It has been crazy the last few months.  Since the holidays kicked into high gear in November, it's been a non-stop flurry of activity.  What have we been up to you might ask?  Come along for the ride with the latest installment...

December

Ah, Christmas season - we had fun at an ugly Christmas sweater party and started what turned out to be a very mild winter, even by Texas standards. The highlight of December?  A trip to Las Vegas for New Year's.  I had only ever been for a quick trip and Phillip had never been.  We made plans people, and tried to cram as much as we could into 5 days.

Pictures do not do the Grand Canyon justice at all.  It was breathtaking.  And deep.  Very, very deep. Did I mention it was very deep?  I had a couple of moments where I was nervous #afraidofheights...but because it is so big, you almost can forget about how deep the canyon is.

So what else did we do?  We saw a Prince tribute band, ate at some delicious restaurants, saw a Cirque du Soleil show, walked about 100 miles, rode the High Roller and oh yeah, this...

We're getting married!  So exciting, right?  Phillip proposed New Year's Eve, just before midnight.  So many people asked me if I knew he was going to ask me or if I had any idea it was coming and to be honest it was a complete surprise. 

January

When we got back, the next weekend Phillip helped his brother's family move to San Antonio and this little lady came to visit me along with her mama.

That weekend there was a bridal show in Fort Worth and being newly engaged and all, I was eager to go.  Melissa and Rayla came to stay for the weekend and I got to have my Maid of Honor and one of my flower girls come with me.  We had so much fun.  Rayla liked visiting and was very happy to see Uncle Phillip when he got back from San Antonio.

February

A lot of travel for me - Oklahoma City and then a quick trip to Rhode Island for my sister's housewarming party.  Sleepovers with this girl are always a good idea.  We got to hit up a local Mexican place and had a great siblings dinner with Louie and Katie.

It was back to Texas and before my mom and step-father came to visit the following weekend, Phillip and I headed to the AAC - let's go Mavs!

We won in overtime!  It was a fun game and we always enjoy watching Dirk & co. play.  #MFFL

The next morning my parents arrived in Texas and they culd not have picked a better weekend to visit.  Weather was in the 70s and sunny.  We got to check out the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Bush Museum, and eat some good Texas food.  My parents also got to meet Phillip's parents and I'm pretty sure Rich enjoyed the chicken fried steak at Ozona's.  

March

Cruising into March, more travel for me - Lubbock, Austin, Phoenix, oh my.  Oh, and a little Spring Break fun too. 

First it was off to Lubbock for a VA Educators meeting.  I wish I had taken pictures of the campus at Texas Tech, but it reminded me very much of Ohio State.  There was this huge, sprawling campus on one side and then there is main street (a la High Street) with all these bars, shops, restaurants, student housing, etc.

Spring Break week was a nice opportunity to hang with these two and enjoy lunch with Billie-Jo and Jim.

 

#lovethem #theymeltmyheart #family

Spring Break had barely finished and I had to pack up and head to Phoenix for another work meeting.  

This one was AACRAO - American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

I had submitted a session proposal and it was approved, so I got to get up in front of a group of people and present.  It's interesting, I am not a huge people person and having to chit chat with people I don't know wears me out, but give me a topic and a powerpoint and I love to get in front of people.  #presentationgear #introvertsunite

This was my first time in Phoenix and I thought it was a beautiful city. 

My mentor was awarded honorary membership in the association, he retired this past year.  I'm glad I was able to be there to see him recognized.  #taughtmeeverythingiknow

I made it home in time to cram in two full days of work before a fun Easter weekend.  A couple months ago, Beej and I registered for the color run.  It was fun!  We had a great time.  I'd definitely do this race again.

Before

 

 After #theblueishardtogetoff

I finished in 32:37, which was really good for me.  Phillip and I are doing the Fort Worth Zoo Run next weekend.  This will be my third and Phillip's second.  It's a fun morning and the last part of the race goes through the zoo.  

After scrubbing off all the color, it was time to try my hand at a new recipe for Easter dessert - lemon cake truffles.

  #nomnomnom

My plan is to also make pineapple upside down cake.  Monday afternoon I am off to Austin again...I feel like I am living out of a suitcase lately.  I don't think I would do well having a job that required me to travel for work all the time.  

That's a peek at what we are up to..what's been going on with you lately?