Jayhawk in Texas

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Oops...I did it again

2008-10-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know me from my childhood, this should be an indication of what happened. Yes, I broke my ankle last Thursday....while running...or at least I broke it when I fell. The lower part of my fibula...broken. I am now in a walking boot for the next 6-8 weeks. Lovely...the only good news about this is I fell on my left side so my left ankle is broken and I can still drive.

When this happened, I walked back about 1/4 of a mile to my car. My boot camp instructor said he thought it was a sprain becuase I was walking on it. It hurt like nobody's business...so much so, when I got in my car, I sobbed like a baby. I called the hubby and told him. Then I called my docotor. I drove over to the office, he thought it was sprained, drove over to radiology and as I was heading home, my docotor called to tell me it was broken and that they had made an appt. with an orthopedic surgeon. This was all before noon. By 2:00 I was on my way home with my new friend, the walking boot. If I had high heeled tennis shoes, I would walk fine. It has been many years since I have broken an ankle and I forgot what a pain it can be at times. I am really glad I have the walking boot instead of the cast. I can at least take showers. Just when I was training for a 10k marathon....Life comes at you fast.

No Pain; No Gain

2008-08-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

For those of you that I talk to regularly, you all know I have been taking a fitness class called Boot Camp. I do not think I have been challenged physically like this since high school and maybe even before that. The class begins at 5:30 (that is AM) until 6:30 and the most dreaded things of all about the class is that we run - a lot. 200 yard dashes were 'long' runs for me in high school. We run a minimum of 1 mile. This kills me. It kills me even more when we run with our 'weapon' - which is a 9lb bar.

Why do I put myself through this? I often ask myself that when my alarm goes off at 4:50 in the morning, when I am driving to place and when we are running.

But I am noticing things are tightening up and I have much more energy and most importantly I feel good about myself when I do this. Something that struck me is that our instructor once said, "You are doing more in an hour than most people will do the entire day. " That puts this into perspective somewhat, as I am soaking wet, trying to catch my breath.

So, I guess the addage, "No pain; no gain" rings true. I say this and truly mean it, but right now I would dearly love to go down my stairs without wincing. I suppose that will happen over the weekend.

Just one more day...

2008-08-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Yep, here in Texas school starts tomorrow.

Just one more day of the son making as much noise as possible while I am working. Just one more day of hearing the expression "I'm bored" during the day. Just one more day of kids running through the house actually thinking that by 'sushing' really loud that it is not noise. Just one more day of making plans to eleviate the 2nd 'just one more day'. Just one more day of hearing the cries of rage when a game beats him (during the day). Just one more day of hearing 80's retro songs being sung.

Just one more day and my son becomes a seventh grader. Just one more day and my son is over half way through his schooling. Just one more day and he is that much closer to becoming a young adult.

Where has the time gone?

Is anyone else enjoying the Olympics as much as me?

2008-08-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely enjoying the May-Treanor/Walsh volleyball team win during the Olympics. It has been great watching them play. Last night was another fantastic set. They seem unstoppable. And I really hope they are - I would love to see them win the gold again this Olympics as well. They are poetry in motion.

Speaking of poetry in motion...I also really liked watching Michael Phelps swim to 8 gold medals. That was a treat to watch.

Each olympic, there is one sport that grabs my attention and for some reason I watch that sport throughout the games. This year it was beach volleyball and swimming. Volleyball becasue I love playing it myself and swimming, because well it just grabbed me this year. To watch Phelps accomplish what he did is utterly amazing.

The year Mary Lou Retton won in gymnastics, was the Olympic I watched that. The thing I enjoy about them is that it gives me a chance to watch a sport or event that I might never have watched unless it was in the olympics. However, I doubt you will get me to watch table tennis, trampoline jumping, or badminton (I even had to look that one up on how to spell it). But I get to watch some great atheletes pursue their dreams.

Wow - it has been a long time

2008-08-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

So, I have not blogged in forever...February, to be exact. I felt the need to begin blogging because a friend of mine has been blogging (which is excellent) and she is now going forward to write a book. I am very excited for her. She is a fantastic writer and I think she will be completely successful.

It reminded me that I enjoy writing and this is the forum to do it. With life, work, etc. I have seemed to have lost some of my creative spin on things. So, this is my way of getting back to it. Life in general can be pretty amazing and there is always something worth writing about. So, I begin again and hope that some of you might enjoy it as I go along.

Happy Friday

2008-02-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a Happy Friday. I thought mine was going to be a good one. I have the son home with either a nasty cold or maybe bronchitis. I am taking him to the doctor at 11:30 today to check on his lungs. Work has been crazy and trying to get a grip on the new work I have been assigned is an undertaking. I like the challenge but some days....a little serenity would be nice.

Duber (my son) started soccer this week. He was so excited after practice on Tuesday and Thursday. He has not played in a year (since we moved in the fall) so he is really glad to be playing again.

My quote for the day: "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit" - Aristotle

That is one of my favorites.

Bad, Bad Blogger

2008-02-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

I have been a bad blogger lately. I have been silent. It has been crazy with work, son's school, and everything else. I have made a decision that I will post everyday - even if it means just putting a couple of sentences out there. I realized when my friend told me she saw something on by blog, that it really is a good way to let everyone know how I am doing.

I am alive and doing well.

"Life is not a getting and a having but a being and becoming."

Here is to growth!

Well it happened

2008-01-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

We lost a basketball game. I don't really mind if the Jayhawks lose a game as long as they are the ones losing it. But I really must say that the refs at the game played a large hand in having us lose. We could have played competitive - as long as the refs let us. The foul calls were awful. I, a big Jayhawk fan, turned off the TV with :25 seconds left because I could not stand to see the refs sell their souls to give the Jayhawks a loss. That is the plain and simple truth.

The commentators were just drooling over the fact that we were losing...the refs were so excited I swear we could see their 'stiffies' from the TV and the KSU fans - well, they were just fans and loving it. You can't really blame the fans. They cheered their team on and congragts to a'w' for them. But the refs just plain sucked. Russell Robinson never fouls out of a game - he is a senior and works hard as a guard. He fouled out. That is enough to make me believe the refs sold their basketball soul. And the sad thing is...Hightower was not even there...I wonder if he has a son that is reffing now. If we were on the East coast, the commentators would be talking about how we were robbed...not the ones we have. The refs could not have gotten by with the crappy calls if the game was nationally televised - that much is true. We should see a cleaner game in Lawrence b/c ESPN picked that game up.

Anyway, after the sad loss, I hope our Jayhawks learned something good and will come back and that will be the only loss of the season. I still think we will take them at our house and, yes, Michael Beasley, even in Africa when the calls are all even.

Good night all and I am sure I will blog tomorow when the bitterness has been cleaned out of my mouth. My son has decided to become a ref 'against' KSU. hee - what a good fan.

~Marti

Fun News

2008-01-29T07:42:00.001-08:00

Today I seem to be much more focused than Monday. It could be because my brother and his partner are coming to visit the weekend of 2/23. Also, my best friend from college is coming to see me on 3/20. This will be a lot of fun. It will be during some part of March Madness and she, like me, is a huge KU fan. (hello - we are friends from college) Even if it wasn't basketball season, I would still be excited for her to come and visit. In fact, she was in my post yesterday - i think #8.

So, I am really glad my peeps are coming to see me. I have missed all of them and it is nice to know they are coming to see us. I am sure both weekends will be filled with a lot of laughter. I hope everyone is having a great day. We texans are enjoying 65 degree weather and I am once again in short sleeves!

Rambling thoughts for Monday

2008-01-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

The rambling thoughts going through my mind on Monday....

1. We have friends who are thinking about moving to Austin. We would really love to have them here. We hope it works out for them.

2. I have a lot of crazy work days coming up and I am not sure if I will get everything done.

3. KU plays Kansas State on Wednesday and should be a great game.

4. I laugh when people tell me that when KU blows a team away, the game is boring. These are the same people that if we didn't blow certain teams away, they would be ripping on the team. I like to see the Jayhawks will big and small. It is like poetry in motion.

5. The hubby and I are kick starting a diet today. I hate the word diet, but pizza rolls are not on my list of things I can eat, so it is now a diet.

6. My son has started off his new semester at school really strong. We hope he keeps it up.

7. We had our first date since we moved here on Saturday night. It was great...except I think I got a touch of food poisoning...I am feeling much better than I did Saturday night. Despite all of that, we really enjoyed spending the evening together.

8. I miss Lisa and Debbie....not much else I can say about that.

9. My cousin is doing better and has started physical therapy. That is a long road, but a much better one than he was on before.

10. I am keeping a close friend in my prayers as she and her husband go through some painful events in their life...and hoping she drops me a note or picks up the phone to call me.

I will blog more tomorrow! I now have to get back to #2 to try to get more finished today.
~Marti

The Oscars

2008-01-24T08:37:00.000-08:00

You know, this year, and for the past couple of years, I have not enjoyed the Oscars. In fact, I have not enjoyed any of the 'major' nominations. In fact, I think there are a lot of pictures missing that should have been included.

Actors - the only job that has an awards show for actors to give kudos for a job well done. AND they vote for themselves. I much prefer when it is the people's choice awards - at least they are listening to their customer! I guess I will not ever understand it. But that could be why I am not in the business.

I hope everyone is staying warm - we are a little bit cooler than normal down here, but nowhere near the temps the midwest is experiencing.

New sassy 'do

2008-01-17T13:16:00.000-08:00

Well the last hair cut I got, I was not wild about. So, it was time to go again. I really like my stylist down here. I told her I didn't really like the last cut and I brought in a really cute picture of a bob that I liked (no, not Katie Holmes) and now I have a great new hair cut. See the picture? It is really cute. Doesn't Katie Holmes hair look like a wig? I really think so. Feel so inclined to vote, if you like.

I have spoken to my friend who moved out to DC in December. I miss getting to talk with him everyday. We worked in the same office and then he moved to corporate and I moved here. Although when I travel back to DC, I will be able to see him, which is good.

The husband comes back on Friday. It will be nice to have him back home. We have missed him.

A sad situation

2008-01-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

Hello

For those of you who don't know, I have had a 2nd cousin at Childrens Mercy Hospital in Ohio for the past few months. He has been in ICU during this entire time. Every specialist has been brought in and they do not know what is wrong with him. He has a shunt in his head to drain fluids, they have run more tests than i can imagine. The docotors still have no idea what is wrong with him. His parents and brothers are beside themselves with worry, stress and trying to grasp why their son is going through this. He has lost a lot of motor function and still the doctors do not know what is wrong. They at first were thinking mad cow disease, that has been ruled out and they have even tested him for rabies. Nothing - everything comes back clean, but he is still failing. I have been praying for him and his family.

He is a 17 year old senior in high school. Just a normal teenager, with friends, a job and looking forward to graduating from high school. It make you want to grab your own kids, tell them you love them and hug them once more. Life can be so unpredictable.

Hope everyone has a good day. If you read this, please put him in your prayers.

Six Degrees of Separation = Small World

2008-01-14T11:07:00.001-08:00

Hello,

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Last Saturday we had our neighbors over for dinner. They are really nice and we really enjoy their company. After dinner we were sitting around and talking. I was telling a 'college war story' and happened to mention my sorority, Alpha Phi. Kristi looks at me and said, "you were an Alpha Phi?? So was I!!" Little did I know I had a sister next door!

Of course, the guys had to put up with the handshake and then the squealing hug. That was just too funny. It was funny because just that afternoon I was telling them that I really believed in the Six Degrees of Separation theory. (I am also really good at the Kevin Bacon game)

All is going well...the husband is traveling this week so things are little quieter than usual. I am going to get back to work. Chat with you later!

Things remembered

2008-01-09T10:33:00.000-08:00

The other day, I received a return card from a friend of mine in high school. It was so great to hear from her and know that her life is going so well. She gave me her email address and we have corresponded back and forth a few times. After reading her emails, I remembered why I liked her so much back then. She is always busy, thinks of others and is kind. We used to have so many laugh attacks.

This has made me realize that I have lost touch with a lot of people that meant a lot to me at one time in my life. I will make an attempt to keep in better touch. Hope everyone is doing well.

Work is kicking me in my backside today, so I am getting ready to put my own boots on and kick back. Have a great day.

December Birthday

2008-01-07T11:00:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I was reading a friend of mine's blog and she listed characteristics for each month someone is born. I am a Sagitarious and here goes my take on each characteristic for my birthday.

DECEMBER:

Loyal and generous - I like to think that I am both of these. I know that if anyone I cared about needed something, I would not hesitate to provide it. I try not to let anyone down. Once you are a part of my life, I will always defend you (or laugh at you - depends on what the situation is calling for)

Sexy - This makes me laugh a little. I have never really given this much thought. I would have to defer to my husband on this one...

Patriotic - I am very patriotic. I love my country and all of the rights and priviledges that come with being in this great country.

Active in games and interactions - On this one I say yes. You should hear my house when my Jayhawks are playing. And when I am playing volleyball, I still rush to get the ball...I might not be as quick as I used to be, but I am not just going to let something sail past me.

Impatient and hasty - I don't think this is me. I am a little bit more cautious and tend to think things through before making a decision. Unless, I have been drinking margaritas and stop at Bed, Bath and Beyond and go shopping, but that is another story...

Ambitious - I do have career goals that I want to achieve, so yes, this does fit me.

Influential in organizations - No. Not that I am aware.

Fun to be with - I would like to think that I am fun to be with...so YES

Loves to socialize - Depends on the situation...if it is with friends and family - ABSOLUTELY. When it is other social engagements, I do them because it is what is expected.

Loves praises - I'd like to see a show of hands of anyone who does not like praises...I didnt think so. I especially enjoy praise when it has something to do about skills I possess, as opposed to things I have no control over.

Loves attention - NO, NO, NO! I prefer to be in the background making things happen, not in the spotlight - I gladly give that to others.

Loves tobe loved - Again, a show of hands of people who do not love to be loved. Exactly.

Honest and trustworthy - Yes, I will hold confidences and alwasy speak the truth.

Not pretending - Yes - no games here - what you see is what you get

Short tempered - Not even close. I don't lose my temper over little things. I just don't enjoy it at all.
Changingpersonality - You will have to refer this statement to my other personality, Chara.

Not egotistic - No egos are dwelling here

Take high pride in oneself - Yes, but I also think everyone should take pride in themselves.

Hates restrictions - especially when it comes in the form of jeans that are too small but weren't a year ago...

Loves to joke - Hello.

Good sense of humor - I like to think so.

Logical - Yes I am usually logical. I think things through and make decisions based on the facts that are presented to me.

So, those are my answers....Some fit and others don't. Have a great day ya'll. (little Texas lingo)

Marti

KU+Orange Bowl=Victory

2008-01-04T09:08:00.000-08:00

Wow....KU won and it is an awesome feeling. The whole family stayed up to watch this unfold. My friend, Lisa, at halftime called me and told me that it is now offical...I cannot move back to Kansas because the very year I leave, we get a really good football team. It is good to know she has my back in everything....

I have been receiving emails, IM's and all forms of communicaiton to celebrate this victory. Our Jayhawks represented us all really well. I have already ordered the Orange Bowl championship t-shirts. We really do need to make sure we represent KU down here. ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK - GO KU!

It was a late night; I have not even tried to get my contacts in today. I hope all Jayhawks around the world enjoyed the game as much as we did.

I will probably post more later when I have come down from this fog I am in right now.

KU,
Marti

KU = Orange Bowl

2008-01-03T06:56:00.000-08:00

Yep, it is true...KU has a football team going to the Orange Bowl. It is hard to imagine. When I was in school, our team did not win. In fact, on the rare occasions we did, we would tear down the goal posts and throw them in Potter Lake. I don't think they have done that this year. It would have cost the universtiy a lot of money. (11-1)

I hope they do well. I will be cheering them on. Since I am in the Austin area, every game day I would wear a KU t-shirt and I had my share of glares but as the season continued on, I had more people coming up to me and wishing us luck. Even more crazy, an ISU friend of mine sent me an IM today simply stating "Go KU". Now, that is something. He normally refers to us as chicken hawks. I even watched the Mizzou game and was glad they won. (I know take my temperature - I must be running a very high fever)

So, think good thoughts about our Jayhawks, they have had a phenominal season. ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK - GO KU!

Hope all is well with everyone.

Love,
Marti

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T13:36:00.000-08:00

So, here it is, New Year's Eve...I am working. There is not much going on but this is giving me a chance to catch up on updating my files. I hope everyone had a great Christmas. My mother in law came down for a week and it was great to see her. Our first Christmas in Texas was good. I also talked with my friend Debbie today. It was soooo good to hear her voice. I really miss her. She always makes me smile. Thinking back it is hard to imagine that we have been friends for 21 years now. And it all started at a memory seminar....

Our son is not feeling well. There is nothing worse when your child is sick and they give you that look like you should be able to make them feel better. I wish I had the midas touch, but I do not, so he has to settle for ibuprofen and a little comfort.

I have not really come up with a New Year's resolution and I don't think I will. Everytime I have a resolution, I seem to break it. So, instead I want to wish everyone health, happiness and prosperity in 2008.

Hugs,
Marti

falling down and other random thoughts

2007-12-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

So, I am sitting here with my husband, having a margarita and we decide we need to talk to our friend Bruce. So, as Mike is talking with him, he props his feet up on the arm of my chair and promptly falls over. At this point, I am laughing so hard I can hardly breathe. He then promptly calls me a mean bitch and I laugh harder.

Earlier tonight I talked with my brother. He and his partner are so awesome. They are two people that I really miss from Kansas City. As we get older, we seem to grow closer. The best part of our relationship is that he has become closer with Lu, our son. They have their own special jokes and have come to really care for each other. When we were younger we seemed to fight all the time. I think we were just trying to figure out our way in this world and once we were living on our own, we realized we could both fit in it and work together. He has become somone that I completely respect and admire. I also believe that Jeff makes him a better person. I am glad that they are both a part of my life. I would not have as much laughter in my life if they were not a part of it.

Back to my husband on the floor.....man, that was just funny. It was a complete Charlie Brown collapse...after that description you can picture this 'swan dive' to the floor. I needed a laugh and it seems everytime I do my husband is either there to provide it or point out something that makes me laugh.

Everytime I am asked to stand up at a wedding and give a toast, I always have one thing to bestow on people. (look out this is going to get deep) I always wish people laughter. Happiness comes and goes (as you look at your spouse and what was once cute now annoys the crap out of you) but laughter between two people always bring you back to the reason you fell in love with them. When things are rough and things are not going well, always fine something that makes you giggle. It always works for me.

I am going to sign off - good night all.

Take care
Love and kisses from Austin!
Marti

PS My husband just called me a mean bitch again after seeing my blog. I once again laughed

Ahhh...to be a homeowner

2007-12-20T09:56:00.001-08:00

So, we move into our new house...life is grand, right? Well, not so quick. We have a home warranty for the house that lasts a year. I think the company is going to lose money on us. Last Saturday night, we decide that we want to take a bath...We have one of the big roman baths. It was nice and relaxing....the next morning there is water in the bathroom downstairs. Well, the toilet seemd kind of loose, so we called the company and they brought out a plumber, ($60) and had replaced the seals on the toilet. (there is a point to my intro) So, two days ago, I go into the downstairs bathroom and I notice a water stain on the ceiling. We call the home warranty place again, and sure enough we have something wrong with the bath. ($60) The plumbers not only have to cut into ceiling to find the leak, but we have to bring somebody else in (not covered) to remove the marble so the plumber can gain access to what needs to be fixed. Now, today, the plummers are coming back to finish the job, then we will have to pay the person who removed the marble to come back and put it back in, then we will repair the ceiling. It seems crazy and never ending. But for some reason, I love my life down here. It must be my family.

It is here...

2007-12-06T06:28:00.000-08:00

Another birthday for me. I really don't mind birthdays. Last year, we had a big celebration; this year I think it will be more low keyed. I always figured if I am not getting older than I am six feet under. I prefer aging, personally.

The weather is beautiful for my big day. Mid to upper 60's. I have received some emails from co-workers wishing me happy birthday. I had someone from my group send out an email advising people of my birthday. I, of course, was not copied on it.

My brother, who lives in KC, and I miss since moving here, called to sing off key Happy Birthday to me. This is a time honored family tradition. And it is not so hard b/c none of us can really sing.

My birthday wish is that everyone has their health, are happy and enjoy the day!

More later!

Yep, this is my first time

2007-11-30T19:28:00.000-08:00

...blogging that is. And this is my test! Much more to come at a later date.

- Marti