Mini Vacation

So, I was reminded when I looked at my blog just now, that I really have to change the date on the camera *Note to self*. It seems that the only way I can remember things these days is to write it down. By typing my first sentence I am hoping that it will be the same as writing it. Anyway, on to the post.

So, Amber and I decided to take a mini vacation last weekend. Didn't know where we were really going. We talked about Albuquerque, Hobbs, Las Cruces, and Ruidoso. Just a little 2 day get away from life - escape. Turns out, that it was going to really inconvenience a lot of people for us to go. (We only have one car and have several people depending on us currently to provide rides for them to and from work. Also, Gladys was going to have all 4 of the girls this particular weekend and we really didn't want to leave her without a vehicle - you know, just in case.) So, after some disappointed talking, we decided to stay in town. I was disappointed because I LOVE to stay in hotels and I had just bought a new swimsuit to go swimming in. We talked about it and decided the most PRACTICAL thing to do would be to save the money for some things that we need at the house. We then decided that the FUNNEST thing to do would be to take an in-town vacation. I had been saving this money for our little trip - and we would be saving the money we would spend on gas.

So, YES! Being the very PRACTICAL person that I am - I decided for us! I found us a hotel in Roswell that had a swimming pool, hot tub, and a great breakfast buffet! And guess what else - A GRILL! I decided we would eat out one night and grill one night.

So, on Thursday, I took a nap after getting off of work. Then we packed and went shopping. Our shopping included a trip to the winery, and the grocery store. After that was completed, we had Gladys drop us off at the Comfort Suites. (We had her drop us off so that she could keep the car and take everyone where they needed to go and we wouldn't have to worry about it). We checked in and began our Mini Vacation.

It included an afternoon swim in the pool and about an hour in the jacuzzi. Then showering. We walked across the street and had dinner at Tia Juana's. (Not our #1 restaurant choice, but it was windy, and we were without a car). It was actually pretty good. We both had drinks since we weren't driving. After that we walked back to the Hotel. That night after getting back to the Hotel we swam some more. Then we relaxed in the jacuzzi. We opened the first bottle of wine and ate some grapes, cheese, and french bread. Then called it a night about 2 glasses later.

On Friday, we woke at 6am and went to the lobby for the breakfast buffet. After breakfast I returned to the room and read the newspaper. Then I took a nap. Amber went to the workout room for a while. Then guess what - Yup! Swimming. Amber then took a nap and I prepped all of the food for dinner. (While we were grocery shopping on Thursday we couldn't decide on fish, chicken, or steak - so we got it all.) Luckily I had remembered after drinking our wine Thursday night to marinade the chicken. (There was a good size fridge in our room - luckily!) And after breakfast, I had marinated the fish. So, while Amber slept I prepped the corn on the cob and the asparagus.

We sat outside on a patio and listened to the band across the street at Tia Juana's play while I grilled. I made Montreal seasoned steak, Fish (marinated in Lemon), Mediterranean marinated chicken, asparagus, and corn on the cob all on the grill. While I did that Amber made us salads (the good kind with bacon bits, croutons, and cheese). We had a feast. This was my first time ever cooking fish, or corn on the cob on the grill. Let me tell you, it all came out fabulous! We had dinner in the hotel table area. We opened our second bottle of wine and ate and ate. It was so good. We did not eat it all but was able to save the rest for when we went home.

After dinner - we waited the appropriate amount of time and then went to the jacuzzi. But with it being Friday night, alot of other guests had checked in and it was very crowded. We did not stay in there long. (Guess we got spoilt because every other time we went we had the place to ourselves). We returned to our room and packed most of our stuff. I took a bubble bath. We partook in more wine and grapes and cheese and then called it a night.

On Saturday morning we had the breakfast buffet again and then packed up and checked out. We had a great time not having to worry about anything or anyone else. Our weekend was filled with good conversations that weren't about work and a lot of laughing! But let me assure you - as soon as we got picked up we started receiving phone calls about people needing rides and people waiting for us at our house and just our usual busy stuff going full blast. VACATION OVER.

OUCH!!!!

Well, I guess my middle name should have been GRACE! Here are some pictures of my latest injuries. I tripped over a cord and landing somewhat in the dog crate and in the movie shelf this past weekend.



These are just the right arm. I also sprained my left wrist and have a knot on my forehead.

I am going on day 6 and am less sore everyday (except my forehead - I can totally sympathize with Jaxen!) Looking forward to my mini vacation in just a few hours. Will post again upon my return.

RandomThoughts

I KNOW I HAVE GOTTEN OLD WHEN........I tell off a teenage driver (only audible in my car) who cut in front of me. But the catcher is that I didn't tell them off for cutting in way too close but for having shoe polish on thier car windows. Maybe without the shoe polish they could have seen that I was behind them. Ha Ha. I remeber the days when my car was constantly shoe polished. But not now.

IT WAS CELEBRATION TIME.....Last week we had a little celebration. Nakomus turned 7. We had a little birthday party at our house. It was a lot of fun. Here are a few pictures.
The pretty cake with butterflies on it

Amber and I with Nakomus

Us with all of the girls

William and Dorian cutting up



MY LITTLE PICK-ME-UP.......I really like the carmel iced coffee from Burger King. That is like my little treat. I love to just stop in and get one. I think I had one almost every day for the past week.

SPRING BREAK.......Brennen's spring break is the first week of April. He has decided that he wants to go visit Mamaw. I will be meeting her on Good Friday in Snyder, TX and then to exchange him. And then we will meet up again the following Friday to exchange him again. She is really excited to have him come and I am really glad that they are getting that time together.

Bad Business

Do you know what really ERKS me? I know that in most cases customer service isn't really up to the Par that it used to be. But I think that the WORST customer service is the one or two businesses that YOU help build that aren't what they used to be. Let me explain.....

I went to the Chiropractor last week. I have been going to the same Chiropractor since about 2002. "Dr. Align" owns his own practice and was very small when I started going. It was him and his receptionist/assistant. I was moved at what great care they both showed me. They took time with me, worked with me, and genuinely cared. Everything was pleasant and each appt was positive. Dr. Align is really into homeopathic healing so he incorporates some of it into his treatments. When I had only been seeing for about 6 months in one of my sessions he found a lot of "new stress". I told him I was worried about a friend who had been in a bad car accident. He took the time to send her (Amber) "healing energy" through me. It was kinda weird and I didn't know what to make of it. But the fact that he took that much time and care really impressed me. Well, over the years this practice has grown. Of course I have recommended everyone I know to him. But over about the past 3 years I have really watched his business boom and his bed side manner dwindle. When I went to him this past week I just felt rushed in and out. I can't stand to have my neck popped and after seeing him for about 11 years now, he knows this. But the last 3 times he just cracks, cracks, cracks, my neck! AAAAAGGGGGHHHH. I remember when he used to take the time to roll my neck back into place. It just really upsets me. I am not saying that I built his business by any means but after 11 years and a lot of referrals....I had a hand in it. Come On! All I ask for is a little CUSTOMER CARE!

This is not the only business this has happened to. I thought I had found the best dentist in the world in 2003. After going to him all of this time. Last year I quite going for the exact same reasons. As his business grew (again - a lot of referrals from me) his customer service went down.

This is very discouraging. I wonder why this happens! UGH! I am so frustrated.

LEGO creations

Two Saturdays we got to spend the day with my Mom and Scotty. I was really glad that Brennen decided to play several games with us. Usually he declines but this weekend he played a couple of games of marbles and a game of Uno. I enjoy his company so much. Between games Brennen had his legos at the table with us or in the livingroom. He is AMAZING! I just wanted to share some of his creations that afternoon.....

His Robber


Then he created a Lumber Jack



He put so much detail....see the belt and belt loops



And last but not least, he created a wife for the Lumber Jack. She had on hose, cute boots, and even earrings. How CUTE!

Grillin' it up!

Sometime last week I got to grill on my NEW GRILL for the 1st time. I spent a ton on a new propane tank at Stripe's. I had priced propane at several different places. For a new tank it was all pretty much the same price....about $50....dang! No wander I haven't grilled on it yet. Anyway, got the propane and then headed to the grocery store. I ended up with steaks, asparagus, and pork 'n beans. Oh my gosh, let me tell you! It was GOOD!!!!! Here is my creation being prepared....
Please note the burner on the side - Yup! I cooked it ALL on the Grill. Ha. That night while we ate we watched "Flight" with Denzel Washington. Crazy what people with put to the side to prove a point. But overall a good movie. I think the dinner was the best part though.

Since then I have used the grill 2 additional times. I am loving it. I have only cooked steak and some vegetables - I am anxious to try chicken and see if I can get it just right! I am telling you...that's the best way to cook asparagus. I want to try some kind of squash veggie blend but I am the only one in the house that eats squash. So, probably not. Man, I LOVE TO COOK.

Just a side note - the day after I bought the propane I found it for $29 at Sam's - UGH!

My Valentine

Ok, so I know it is a little late but before I take it down I wanted to share a quick picture of my Valentine's decorations. I was at Hobby Lobby one day and found the cutest pink, silver, and black chandelier thing. It was so cute. So, before leaving for work on Wednesday night I hung it in the living room. That way it would be there at midnight for the start of Valentine's Day. I forgot to take a picture of it. But I did snap a picture of my table arrangement. I have begun using this tree thing a lot. But I thought it turned out very cute and wanted to share it with you.

We did not do a lot on Valentine's Day. I got off work that morning and received a few cards. I felt very special. I gave out some gifts - one that was made at Custom Ink.com. I mention this because the shirt came out excellent. If you are ever in need of making a custom shirt - this is the place to go. I was so happy with my order. Then off to the doctor's office. After returning, Amber, Gladys, and I went to spend some time with the girls and gave them some little valentine gifts. We also tried out a new restaurant in town. It was called The Other Cafe. The price was decent and the food was pretty good. It was pretty quiet in there. After dinner we went back home to rest for about an hour and a half and then back to work for me. So, all in all it was a good day. I don't really place much importance on this day but think it is fun to do random things for those I love. Hope, you all had a great day.