Random Thoughts During My Lunch Break

I have been in a blogging funk recently. Life is busy; with youth starting back up and my full time law gig... I have not found much time to blog. Sorry guys! I plan to back post a couple events in the next week or two and include some pictures of my growing puppy. She looks like a full grown dog these days.

I went to my 2nd journey editors meeting on Tuesday night and was pleased to understand every word of the conversation. I am still nervous about editing but hopefully my writing and editing skills will improve during the process.

I was appointed to my first case as an attorney ad litem last week. I am excited to meet with the proposed ward and his mother. However, I am a little nervous about the whole process. I will keep you all updated.

My thoughts on the working world generally: Holy heck, time flies when you work 5 days a week. Mom and dad, I get it now. Being an adult is something I have to come to terms with but I really do miss the lack of responsibility that comes with youth. I recently bought health insurance, car insurance, and I am looking into IRAs for the first time. All good things but truthfully, I miss the days of blissful ignorance.

My mom got 2 pins out of her hand yesterday and is about to start physical therapy. Such a long process; but she still seems to love my crazy dog despite everything.

Alright, time to get back to work. Sorry for the randomness!

Workin' 9 to 5... What a Way to Make a Living...

Tomorrow will be my first day as a full time associate at my law firm. Woohoo! Truthfully, part of me is mourning the loss of flexibility in my schedule but the overwhelming majority of me is ecstatic for the increased responsibility, ability to learn, salary, and consistency in my schedule.

Darn You Fashion

I am wearing lovely new shoes today. I bought them at Target and find them to be trendy, work appropriate, and pretty. So pretty. I posted a picture but it does not do them justice.



Only problem. Breaking them in is killing me. I already have 2 blisters and it is only 1:00pm. This is going to be brutal. Hopefully they break in quickly. In the meantime, if you see me hobbling around downtown Dallas, have pity on me. I don't have replacement shoes or band aids with me. And know, even though I have a limp in my step, I still love my shoes. (What is wrong with me?!)

Brief glimpse of DC

During my last day in Baltimore, Tess graciously appeased my pleas to visit DC and took me on a 30 minute tour of our great capitol on the way to the airport. It was mainly meant as a teaser, so I would have to come back. Needless to say, it worked. I snapped a few pictures from the car (a obvious theme of my trip). I can't wait to go back!!! And hopefully get out of the car next time. The Smithsonians are calling my name.

Annapolis, MD

We took a day trip to Annapolis while I was in Maryland. It was beautiful. I realize America does not have ancient ruins like some other continents... But I really enjoy seeing significant places in our nations brief history. In Annapolis, I stood where George Washington resigned as Commander-and-Chief of the Continental Army. I learned had I been around in 1783, I would have had to stand on the balcony to see it, because women were not allowed on ground level. I was fascinated.


In case you were wondering, I also saw the Naval Academy, but I didn't get any pictures of it.

The View From My Window...

One of my best friends and college roommates recently got a job in Baltimore and since I have been working part time I decided to join her on her relocation road trip. Before you go praising me for being so selfless, I did genuinely want to see more of our fine country.

Day One: Dallas to Nashville, TN
Our first day was marked by a stop in Hope Arkansas during their annual watermelon festival. Unfortunately we did not have time to attend the celebration, but we did stop in a cute dinner for lunch.


When we made it to Tennessee, we stopped in Nashville for the night. We went to Bongo Java and I had a Popsicle from Las Palatas. I highly recommend both if you are ever in Nashville.


Day Two: Nashville, TN to a small town in Virginia (I can't remember the name)
We were a tired by day two, but still enjoying the scenery. I saw about 150 Cracker Barrels. I had no idea Tennessee had so many. It got so ridiculous I had to look up where Cracker Barrel originated... Sure enough Tennessee.

One of many signs along the way.

Why would anyone get a personal plate that says "I'm Crazy"? I had to document the oddity.

We made it to Virginia before dark. We were staying with one of Tess' friends who was also some sort of food science major. She had already told us she was going to cook us dinner, and I was excited because in my experience, most food science people can cook... especially when meat is involved. She made us pork chops, fried zucchini and bread with a fabulous dip. (She actually told us what was in the dip, but I already forgot... Tess, do you remember?) I am sure the deliciousness was heightened by my hunger, but it was one of the best meals I have ever had.

Day Three: Small town in Virginia to Baltimore, MD

We arrived in Baltimore by lunch time and spent the rest of day three buying Tess odds and ends for her room. We walked around the city a bit and went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner.

I know... I know... you are going to say we should have gone some place local for dinner but 1) Tess just moved and 2) I am allergic to seafood. Hence, most local places were off limits to me.

Random Pictures from the rest of my stay in Baltimore... Only some from the car window...


I had a blast Tess! Thanks for letting me ride with you!

My dog broke my mother...

Her hand that is. I could go into more detail but the short version is: Tatum broke free of my mom while on a walk this morning. The leash dragged the ground and scared Tatum. Tatum ran home. When my mom got close to home Tatum headed back towards my mom and the road. My mom tried to step on Tatum's leash and managed to fall and hit her head on the curb. Thank the Lord she didn't break her neck! She did however break 2 bones in her right hand and tear a ligament.

I know it was a horrible accident but I have felt guilty all day. I think Tatum does too.

Recent Discovery

At the ripe old age of 26 I discovered I LOVE Oreos. I can't get enough of them. My entire life I have been indifferent to the cookie. Crunchy-chocolaty outside with a creamy white inside. I mean they were decent but nothing to write home about. I could never really figure out why they were still around. So many better cookies to be had.

That was before I tried them with milk. I have never been much of a milk fan so I have always eaten Oreos solo and every other cookie for that matter. I mean milk can't change the taste that much right? Wrong. I finally bit the bullet and ate an Oreo with milk and it was phenomenal. Gone was the crunchy cookie that broke in my hand more than my mouth. In its place was heaven in the form of chewy crumbly chocolate and yummy cream filling.

I am left to ponder what type of chemical reaction takes place when the Oreo touches milk to produce such a wonderfully amazing cookie and how I managed to go 26 years without trying the combo. It also makes me wonder what else I am missing out on. Any other cookies go through a metamorphosis with milk?

Smarty Pants

Tatum continues to be a pleasant addition to our family but has grown out of her shell a little over the last few weeks. So far:

I have noticed she suffers from separation anxiety. If you are behind a closed door, she sits outside and whines because she can't see you.

She has claimed the couch downstairs as her own. You have been warned.

She is too smart for her own good. We locked her in the kitchen using a baby gate the 3rd night she was home. It took her 20 minutes to climb the gate. When I put her back in the kitchen, it only took her 20 seconds to climb it.

She does not like to bark.

She is scared of cars and dogs. More timid really. I am hoping this will change with time.

She hates the pool as you can tell from the deep scratches on my arms and legs. I drown proofed her today. Needless to say I doubt she will ever be back in the pool on her own free will.

She is definitely a border collie. Today was laundry day for my parents and they only had one load of whites left when they left for the grocery store. We normally keep the laundry room closed but they didn't remember to close it before they left. Their whites were on a pile in the laundry room floor when they left. They were in a pile on the couch when they returned. Good job herding your flock Tatum!

She eats sticks. She will break them off the bushes and chow down. I don't know if it is because she is teething or what but if she is outside, she probably has a stick in her mouth.

She is learning not to jump on people when they walk into the house. I am so proud.

She rings a bell when she needs to go out and use the restroom. She also rings the same bell when she is bored and wants someone to pay attention to her.

She is very cautious on her walks and doesn't seem to love them yet but she is pretty good at heeling without being taught. This might be the fear factor but hopefully it will stick once the fear is gone.

She dug her first hole in the yard today. I am praying this does not become a habit. Anyone know any tricks that work to stop your dog from digging?

She is very cuddly and lovable. I think she even managed to win over my father.

Happy Birthday Jacob

This year Jacob celebrated his 2nd birthday in Houston and Dallas. Sadly, I was only able to attend the Dallas celebration but I did manage to take a few pictures to document the festivities. It is hard to believe Jacob is already two. Where does the time go?! Happy birthday little man!