4th photo challenge

I was tagged by my friend Kristin of www.kiersserendipity.blogspot.com/ to participate in what I have deemed the "4th Photo Challenge".

Instructions:

1. Go to the place where you store all of your pictures on your computer and open up the 4th folder.

2. Open the 4th picture

3. Post the picture and give an explanation

4. Tag 4 people

The photo above was taken on my 27th birthday at Sherlocks in Addison, Texas. I am enjoying a nice refreshing Vodka/Tonic w/ 2 Limes... I'm not sure there's much more explanation than that!

I tag:

1. Erin - http://www.benavidesfam.blogspot.com/

2. Kristi - http://www.kyndallandavery.blogspot.com/

3. Desiree - http://themoellenkamps.blogspot.com/

4. Johanna - http://deloplaybook.blogspot.com/

Happy Holidays!

1 week down... 18 to go...

I finished my first real week of "Operation Triathlon". It went well... I have increased my biking to about 6 miles (give or take dependent on time) each work out and 1.5 mile run. I should be good in no time.. haha j/k!

By far swimming is going to be most difficult.. I think I said this in the earlier post... but seriously I swam for the first time this week in a real lap pool at the gym and about died.... so close to death in fact my heart rate monitor stopped... which instantly made me panic and say (in my head... b/c if I said this out loud then I really would be crazy)... "OH MY GOD I THINK MY HEART STOPPED!" Seriously I said this and then realized it was just because it doesn't work in the water...

I was pumped when I saw the pool and thought 50m ain't bad... until I went to confirm the distance with the guy at the gym and he said "no ma'am our pool is 25m" - DANG I thought I had swam 200m and I really only swam 100m!

Seriously though - I may have to switch up strokes in the middle of the lake - yes I am swimming in a lake on tri day - does doggie paddle count as a stroke? Or if I start drowning and they rescue me do I automatically get to continue on the bike portion b/c I might have a chance at winning if this is the case.... Here's my plan:

Hop into the water - swim for about 45 seconds "play drowned" get whisked off by the med team - get a quick once over - they see I'm ok and I hop on my bike... maybe my sights aren't set on first place with this plan but a solid top 10! haha j/k

I'm also really excited not only b/c I completed one week of tri training but I have a big week coming up this week! I have 3 interviews! YEA GO ME! I hope one pans out - because I seriously need a job.... I have surfed the internet, watched tv and done laundry as much as 1 person can...

In addition to my 3 interviews I leave on Friday for my friend Laura's wedding in South Carolina! I'm so excited to see her and so honored to be a part of her wedding... standing beside her on her wedding day is going to be a blessing! Laura and I were roommates in college and had some pretty fun times (and lived to tell about them)... we also probably didn't always make the best decisions... but we learned from them and had a dang good time along the way.

She is going to be a beautiful bride and I'll post pictures upon my return ... I know you will all be on the edge of your seats for that!

If I don't get around to blogging before Christmas I hope you all have a WONDERFUL holiday season. I hope you all get to spend time with your families and the people you love most. And as you get whisked up in the wonders of the holiday always remember what we are celebrating and why we celebrate!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

xoxo

19 weeks and counting...

I got this idea in my head a few weeks ago that I would start training for my first triathlon in April... I set lofty goals what can I say...

I have absolutely no desire to run a marathon or even a 1/2 marathon for that matter... I get bored too easily running... but I thought I can do something where it changes and isn't constant repetition of the same sport so I thought "Hey Why Not a Triathlon"... So I did some research and found one in April... April 19 to be exact... in McKinney, so close to home to where I can come home and puke my guts up afterwards.

Don't let me fool you - it isn't an Ironman or anything but it should be a pretty good starting point for me and an attainable goal for which I've set.... to simply finish! It is called "My First Tri" a division of the King Tut Triathlon on the same day... it consists of:
300 Meter Swim
6 mile Bike
2 Mile Run
in that order...

I've got the biking down so far and the running actually (my cardio endurance came back rather quickly as I routinely got back into the gym) but the swimming... HOLY CRAP ... it's hard.

It's way different than just splashin' around in the lake with a beer (which I typically consider 'swimming') but I will survive (hopefully there will be life guards just in case) it's only 6 laps in an Olympic size pool after all... this sound ridiculous as I type it...

So keep checking back for my progress on my tri-training... I actually must be a pretty good sales-woman I've roped three friends into doing this with me - SO -

POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS WHO MAY BE READING THIS... I HAVE GREAT SALES SKILLS!!! WHO ELSE COULD TALK SOMEONE INTO DOING A TRIATHLON??? HIRE ME!!!

and come support Me, Cayla, Kristin and Ciearra as we try to complete our tri on April 19... put it in your calendar people!

Thanks for reading!

(sing Jefferson theme song here) Movin' on up.... or out ... whatever

Ok Ok Ok... I am finally sitting down to update ....

If you had the slight chance last week to catch my blog before I deleted the post you may already know what I am going to tell you... but if you didn't I'll tell you briefly what has been happening over the course of the last few weeks...

My last post (that I deleted) was much more eloquently written but I found myself after posting it struggling to decide if I should leave it up... so I figured if I was struggling about it I should take it down...

Bill and I have decided to take some time away from each other... and by take time, I mean for no better words, break up and move out... he has moved his stuff out of my house and into his own house that he is in the process of purchasing... a lot to digest in just three measly weeks.

I guess this time in my life fits the old adage "if you love someone set them free; if they come back they are yours, if they don't they never were"

With all of this that has been going on I have run the gamut of emotions - sad, angry, bitter, lonely, happy (yes even happy)... but I finally feel peace. I am at peace with the decision... I still get angry and sad and bitter and lonely and happy... but through all of it I am peaceful because I know that I will be ok.

Bill was/is a huge part of my life but our relationship didn't define who I was or what I was it only enhanced me and my life...so I know that I will be ok... because I am strong.

So with this new place I find myself at - I feel lucky to have a new beginning... and a new time to focus on me and my goals... to find a new job that is perfect for me and a new chapter in my life that is still unwritten (I totally just referenced the Hills theme song)

Thanks for taking time to read my little blog...

PS - we took family pictures today that were AMAZING!!!!! Hopefully I'll have them in a week or so and can share them with you. CHECK OUT OUR AWESOME PHOTOGRAPHER HERE

Wishin' and Hopin' and Thinkin' and Prayin'

Well I think the title above describes my job search perfectly!

I am still on the search - by the way...

I'm wishing for a job to come along soon...
I'm hoping that it is the PERFECT job...
I'm thinking it can't be something I would settle for...
and
I'm praying that God answers my prayers about a job!

I think I've applied seriously to about 25 jobs in a week. I haven't heard anything back from any of them (Except my old company GENEX... that didn't work out) but it's ok. Patience is a virtue... so I will be patient.

I think I'll start following up on my applications tomorrow... especially the one's I applied for early last week. It's all I can do to pull myself away from the computer during the day. I am constantly checking my email for responses, checking the major job search websites, and checking companies websites for jobs that I would be interested in... here's a short list of positions I've applied for (If you know anyone at these companies feel free to put in a good word for me) - these are in no particular order:

1. SMU - Director of Partnership Services and Special Events
2. City of Southlake - Marketing and Tourism Coordinator
3. The Chrons and Colitis Association - Special Event Manager
4. Nursefinders - Account Manager
5. Stryker (applied for two jobs) - Marketing Manager and Associate Programs Manager
6. Southwest Airlines - Online Marketing Analyst
7. 3M - Sales Representative
8. Par Pharmaceuticals - Sales Rep
9. Astra Zeneca - Sales Rep
10. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children - Special Events Officer


So there you have it - a short list of what my days have been consumed with. I haven't had to do this since college. It is a process........

I hope to find something soon and turn around and blog about my perfect job! Say a few prayers for me that I will hear something soon ... even a potential interview would be great!

Corporate Restructuring?

Well I wish I was blogging about what an awesome time we had at Kristin's wedding this weekend... but before I get to that...

I went into work yesterday (Monday - by the way) under the pretense of our marketing meeting for the new location in Cedar Hill. Only to be told that my position was being eliminiated and taken to an hourly position with in each store. So here I sit on Tuesday, sad, pissed, and jobless.

I won't get into the in's and out's of my feelings (maybe another time) but I'm heartbroken right now... and my pride is a little bruised I must say.

So today - for the first time in my life - I am headed to the unemployment line.... (wish me luck).

so .... in the mean time...

Check out the new blog I added to my reading list... www.cakewrecks.blogspot.com

You won't be sorry - it is hilarious.... they show pictures of cakes that were the inspiration and then they way they actually turn out ... and in most of them people paid for it by a "professional" baker... I think the phrase "Buyer beware" fits this site perfect!

Well if you are reading this and know of any leads for a possible job please let me know... I'll be out hitting the pavement!

I'll blog about Kristin's wedding soon - it was absolutely magnificant and I don't want to bog the amazing evening down with my lovely attitude right now...

Be back soon!

Thank you!!!!!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Jessica has reached her goal for the NBTS Angel Walk plus some!!

Thank you again!!

Updates coming soon....

Please Donate

As many of you who read this know... my best friend Jessica was diagnosed nearly two years ago with a brain tumor. Jessica has not let this diagnosis of cancer run her life and neither will her supporters! Please if you can visit her webpage www.jessicagage.com or visit the widget below. We are trying to raise money for the Angel Adventure Walk in November. These funds will support brain tumor research and aide in finding a cure for this horrid disease.

Please visit and donate if you can - any dollar amount will help!
Team - Love For Jess

Let's play ketchup - haha catch up I mean!

What a corny way to start off a blog! (but I'm just a corny person I guess)...

I haven't blogged in like two and a half weeks!! WOW!! I'm sure you are all on the edge of your couches wondering where I've been and what I've been up to :)

Things have been crazy as usual... work has been especially nutzo lately...we are in the process of opening two new restaurants (one whole new concept) so it's been very exciting and busy around Bailey and Bailey Restaurants. I have spent more time in Cedar Hill it seems than at my own house but that is ok - the effort is worth the payoff :)

We are gearing up for a super busy month in October - we have weddings and wedding showers galore to be prepared for :) It will be fun to watch two sets of our dear friends tie the knot in October.

Kristi and I will also be a vendor at a HUGE craft show on Oct. 17 - Oct. 19 in Plano. Hot Tot Designs will be on display for all the world to see :) - Come see us we will be at Plano Centre
If you can't make it you should tell two friends - tell them to tell two friends..... and so on and so on.... :)

We had a super fun weekend last weekend... Friday night I went to the Ranger game with Cayla and Hunter ... so much fun to see them even though they live so close I don't see them often enough.

Saturday ... was Oktoberfest in Addison - celebrated the non existent-German heritage :) it was a great reason to get a good brat and a cold bier... also watched the Aggies loose pathetically to Miami.... GO AGS!

Monday I went to the Ranger game AGAIN but this time with Jessica... we had such a fun time - Can't beat a girls night at the ballpark! You can indulge in gluttony ... cotton candy, ice cream, nachos - YUMMY!!!!!!

Last Friday was my precious niece's 8th birthday - I can't believe Kaylee is 8! The fam celebrated Sunday night at my mom's house! Kaylee picked Spaghetti with Salad, Green beans, and rolls for her birthday dinner! It was fantastic - one of my favorite meals that my mom makes and birthday cake with ice cream...can't get any better than that!

Well I hope everyone has a great weekend....I promise to blog more frequently :)

xoxoxo

I started to update yesterday but got caught up grocery shopping, doing laundry, and watching big brother - I'm addicted - not of course to laundry, but I think to grocery shopping and tv.

I love grocery shopping... I love making a list, cutting coupons and at the end seeing how much "I saved" when in reality I just bought a bunch of crap I'm not going to use but bought it anyway because I had a coupon.

Things you should always remember when grocery shopping:
- Stick to the initial list you make
- DON'T GO HUNGRY -my mom tried to teach me this as a kid - but it still hasn't sunk in. Seriously though who thinks when their tummy's are full "I need to go grocery shopping" not so much, it's when your practically starving and trying to put together a meal it pops in your head to go to the store...so you go with an empty stomach and come home with half the store and half the wallet size.
- Somethings you can't buy off brand, i.e. toilet paper only the best for back there.
- Don't go late at night - NOTHING is stocked!

Last weekend wasn't too excitingI enjoyed a concert Friday night and having dinner with my friend Erinn whom I hadn't seen in awhile on Saturday.

Friday night I went to Reckless Kelly with Karen, Ciearra and Cayla. We had fun being silly and relishing in our college days. They are such a fun band - it's always guaranteed a good time when RK comes to town.

Saturday Karen and I went to dinner with Erinn at Tom Tom sushi in the West Village. It was YUMMY! It was nice to catch up with Erinn and see her and her boyfriend Chris. They are so sweet and it's nice to see they are doing well.

This weekend I am so excited because Sarah is coming into town. Sarah, Jess, and I were bff in high school and were inseparable! She lives in KC and I haven't seen her since Jess' wedding. She comes in tonight around 8pm so I can't wait!!

Happy Hump Day!

6 Things you may or may not know about me....

I have been tagged by my friend Kristi. I'm supposed to tell you six random things about me. Here are the rules: Link to the person who tagged you, mention the rules, tell six quirky, yet boring unspectacular things about yourself, tag six other bloggers by linking to them, and then go to each person's blog and leave a comment letting them know they've been tagged.

1. I dislocated my shoulder in 6th grade rolling down a hill in Ft. Worth... I got going too fast and ran into a charter bus tire... I was in an immobilizer and sling for 6 weeks... (AND my parents didn't believe me...)

2. I can drink 60 ounces of beer in 63 seconds...(well I could in college I'm not sure if this still applies... it was when I dunked my aggie ring...)

3. I am a reality tv junkie... plain and simple... I'll pretty much watch anything that claims to be "reality" or is in fact "reality"

4. My first car was a 1990 Pontiac sunbird... convertible... with serious electrical problems... I'm surprised the car didn't blow up while I was driving it.

5. I love taco cabana bean and cheese tacos...

6. I love to cook - dinner, breakfast, lunch anything. I love to be in the kitchen!

I only tagged three... I'm still trying to find friends that blog... so I tagged Kristi, Erin, Johnna

So excited!!

Our website is up! www.hottotdesigns.com

I'm so excited that it is up! You can see sample swatches (more are coming soon) and pictures of finished products! We will be making a few aesthetic changes here and there but the idea is out on the web for all to see!

I'm also excited because we finally received our wii fit in the mail! I can't wait to start playing it and get fit in the process! I know it's lame - but I am totally excited about it.

I am also excited today because I get to see my aunt and uncle today in from Mississippi. Even though their impromptu visit was due to a loss in my aunt's side of the family, I am excited to see them :)

So today has been a pretty exciting day here!

Say Prayers for April - as her surgery was today.

Sadness and Comfort

I am so thankful for so many things, my friends, my family, my health.

I learned late last week that my sister's best friend growing up was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is 31 and has two young children (4 & 2). She is a strong woman of God and her faith runs deeper than most. I find comfort in knowing that she will heal completely and live a life that will be fulfilling and long.

Her family was my family growing up - she has a brother one year older than me and her and my sister were the same age. As kids our parents would go out together on the weekends and we would stay home and mostly get into trouble. Me and her brother would bug the heck out of our older siblings as little brothers and sisters normally do. From my memory, I think we even created a band once called the "Four A's" (our first names all started with A). We overflowed the toilet at my mom's house more than once - causing numerous problems, not only with our parents but with the septic tank as well... not to mention the carpet, towels and all items used to clean up our messes....but it was all in good fun and created memories. Memories that I haven't thought about in years....

I think about my sister right now - I know what she's feeling - as I too have gone through this with my best friend. A different type of cancer on a different body part, but cancer none the less. It is hard when you see your friend go through something that you know nothing about. You can relate on most subjects when it comes to hard times, parental issues, significant other issues, etc but when it it something that you haven't faced; something as serious as a cancer diagnosis your whole world turns upside down and you no longer have a realm of understanding of what they are going through. All you can do is be there. Be there to cry with them, be there to love them, be there to pray for them.

I had never experienced prayer like I did when Jessica was diagnosed. I always had signs in my life that God was with me and I always had my faith in knowing that He was our Savior - but never had I experienced the power of prayer until her medical condition was revealed. It was amazing. A feeling indescribable with words. I hold true to the fact that this will be the same for April.

So I ask you today, if you came across this blog - please pray for April and her family as they forge through this journey.

God is good -

A little bit of this and a little bit of that...

I have officially entered the world of blogging! I have been addicted for so long to blogs that my friends and family started and even peoples blog's that I don't know. I have an addiction to blog reading... but I thought I would start my own. I don't have kids, or any major medical condition to blog about, I'm not savvy with technology, gaming, etc... but I thought the one thing I knew best was me and my life so why not blog about that...

Sooo... a little bit about me...

I am 27 years old and I love to laugh (if you can't tell by my title of my blog)... plain and simple I feel laughter is the best medicine. Laughter can make you feel well when you are sick, it makes you happy when you are sad, it is a comfort in knowing that something made you smile.

I am the marketing and special events manager for an Italian food restaurant group. I am so excited to be a part of this growing company.

I also am part owner in Hot Tot Designs, a custom burp cloth and baby wipes case business. We make burp cloths and travel baby wipes cases in all different fabrics perfect for baby showers or the mom to be in your life. We also have bibs and hats and can customize any order! Email me if you have any questions or would like to see our products (allison@hottotdesigns.com).

I hope this blog brings a little laughter into your life if you happen to stumble upon it... My life is crazy, fun and always entertaining!

Ciao!