Friday, Friday, Friday

I got my car back yesterday. It's fixed finally!! It took over a week for them to fix that minor damage. Mainly because of the paint issue. It looks really nice now. They even detailed it inside and out. It looks great. After picking it up, I went by the bank to make a deposit. Upon leaving the bank, I noticed something on my front tire. It was a screw sticking out. It looked like it had been there a while and I had driven with it who knows how long. Anyway, went to Discount Tires to get it fixed. Ended up with new tires, of course! They guy did show me where my old ones were worn and the front two were showing the steel belts on the inside. I did rotate the tires, just not as often as they recommend (every 6,000 miles!) . I got credit for my old tires being I hadn't driven them through the end of the warranty. Helped a bit, but not enough! Tires for the Trailblazer are expensive. Then I filled the thing up. I was just throwing money around yesterday like it's growin' on a tree out back.

Got home and talked with my mom. She was doing well last night after her surgery. Still amazing she was there at 7:00 and home by 12:00. I'll be talking to her again today to see how she's feeling.

Well, I'm going to go run a few errands. Probably get me some of that crack coffee at McD's. After I get home this evening, I don't plan to leave for the weekend. I think I'm becoming a hermit!! LOL But really, I've got a little work to do over the weekend and I'm just going to stay cool. I've got a couple of movies to watch, too.

Hump Day

I can't believe it's already Wednesday! This week has flown by. I guess that's what happens when Monday is a holiday. LOL

My day started off looking very promising. I was to have 3 separate depositions at 3 different locations! Wahoo!! Well, that didn't happen, of course. My morning deposition, which was supposed to be 2-3 hours, ended up being all day. The office had to give away the 3:30 and then another reporter who was on standby for the 6:00, in case I didn't get finished, ended up taking it. Plus, my morning deposition didn't even finish today. They just recessed it to finish another day. Hopefully I'll get to go back and finish it. We spent a lot of time off the record, too. So although we were there all day, I didn't get as many pages as I normally would have for that length of time. That's the way it is sometimes.

I called Court on my way home to find out all Hana's vital statistics from the doctor. I've got to figure out how to get on the blogs on my phone!! I knew she would have posted it and I couldn't wait to get home and read it. She's growing, growing and growing! At this rate, she'll be taller than all of us before much longer. I'm hoping she takes after Joe's side of the family and is tall, tall, tall. So much better than being short.

I should finally get my car back tomorrow. The painter didn't make it in Monday to repaint it. Then it rained most all day yesterday and I guess that affected the paint drying or something. Who knows. I just know they called late yesterday afternoon to say it wouldn't be ready Tuesday and it would be ready today. And it was. The guy called me around 11:30 to say it was ready. Well, of course, I was in deposition and didn't get out in time to make it up there before they closed. So I'll be doing the switch off tomorrow. I'll be glad to get my car back. As much fun as it has been to drive the small Mazda, I'm ready for my big car. I think I've hit my head on the doorjamb every time I've gotten in the thing. It's just so low to the ground.

I'm going to be going in soon. Just wanted to mention Top Chef. It's on tonight. Last week Dale got the boot. I didn't originally like him, but he had grown on me. I totally think Lisa (eyebrow ring) sabotaged him. She just knew that with enough mistakes that the "executive chef" would take the fall. Every dish she made has major mistakes with it. She really needs to go this week. I'm concerned that she may make the final 3. I truly hope she doesn't. I want Stephanie, Antonia & Richard to make the final 3. Any one of those could win and I'd be happy. But I'm concerned one of those is going to go tonight. We'll have to wait and see.

Have a great night!

New Look

Here's a couple of pictures of the house. It looks awesome. All Brad's work looks so great! (And Brandon's) It's like a totally new house!!

ZoneFest, Johnny Cash & so much more!

So Memorial Day weekend is about over and that means the summer is starting! ZoneFest was a lot of fun. Although, everyone was exhausted this year. Plus, we had some really cute kids there and we all stood around watching the kids, waiting for something to happen. LOL All the food was great! I helped this year by stirring the potato salda. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but you didn't see the bowl of it. It was HUGE! We all took turns stirring it to get a good mix. It turned out yummy, just as the brisket and baked beans did.

I had to leave early Sunday morning to get home and go to the theater. Oh, that sounds fancy-dancy. It wasn't. Out of all the shows I've seen, this had to be one of the strangest. The singers were good, and it was all Johnny Cash music, but there wasn't really a "story" to it. Plus they had 3 women that played June and Johnny cash's mother, I think. Then 3 men who played Johnny Cash in different songs. Just very strange. And not really a lot of dancing. I enjoy the dancing. Plus, Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash followed Rain: The Beatles Experience, and there was no comparison. Rain was much, much, much better. The next show is June 12, and it's The Drowsy Chaperone. I got to see this in NY with the original broadway cast. I really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to seeing it again. There's lots of dancing in it!

After getting home from the musical, Julie & George were having a Memorial Day party. I headed up there. George grilled ribs, which were really good. And there was some fresh corn on the cob and salad. It was a fun time. There was a bunch of kids there and they all swam. I just watched. LOL They have way too much energy. I bet all those kids slept really great last night.

I got home and hit the sack! Today I've been lazying about. I ran a few errands. Half Price Books was having a sale. I, of course, had to check it out. I picked up a couple of books. I still haven't gotten my car back. I should get it tomorrow. I did watch two movies this morning laying in bed. Watched Untraceable. It was okay. Nothing fabulous or anything. Kind of predictable. Then I watched PS I Love You. While it's not the best movie and it would have probably been better with someone other than Hilary Swank as the lead, it was a decent chick flick. I will say I shed a few tears. Overall, I liked 27 Dresses better (last movie I saw) over PS I Love You. Both are definite chick flicks, but Katherine Hiegl is better as a lead for a chick flick than Hilary Swank. In PS I Love You, I kept expecting her to start fighting someone. LOL

Lastly, I got all the pictures from ZoneFest uploaded. The majority of them are of Hana & Lauren, with a few others thrown in, too. I did get some pictures of all the renovations to mom's house and it looks great!! It looks like a totally new house. I love everything they've done with it. Check out the Zone Fest Pics!

Is it just me?

Does it ever feel like the universe is just conspiring against you to screw with you? Man, this week has been one up and down! Week started off looking great work-wise. Had 3 full days of depositions scheduled in great, multi-copy cases. First day, in Houston, was 1-1/2 hours. Bummer! Then find out that days two and three have canceled and will reschedule. So then, while I'm bummed, I figure that gives me more time to get all my stuff together and head to the Lake early Friday. Make the trip to Sam's for a gallon of olives that my mom wants. Are we going to be bobbin' for olives at ZoneFest? LOL

Then yesterday at 3:00 get a call that an attorney wants 375 pages that I did last week NOW, and I mean NOW. Well, that's just impossible. I haven't started them. It's two witnesses. Well, they, of course, want the longest witness first. They have to have it by end of business today, Wednesday. I just got it done and sent. So there's 224 pages done. Now I've got the rest left. They want it tomorrow, early afternoon. So looks like little to no sleep tonight. And while this one is shorter, it's the more technical one, a cardiologist. They kept saying anaphylactoid reaction. Didn't have that in my dictionary, let alone write it the same way every time. Joy, oh, joy!

I still hope to get to the Lake on Friday. Not sure how early it's going to be. Gotta get to Sam's at some point. And I keep thinking I'm supposed to be bringing something else, but not sure what else. I know to bring the games. I'll have to think on it.

Oh, and Rowdy decided to wake me up at 6:00 this morning (after getting in bed at 2:45) by yakking. He was hanging his head off the bed. I at least got him on the comforter before it all came up. Have not a clue what brought that on. So I've been doing the wash, too, today.

Edited to add: I remember now, or at least part. I'm to bring my buckets of drinks {pomegrante margarita and mojito} and rum. Also, I wanted to maybe make a few cards to dazzle Lisa Y with. She's coming and we were going to get to talk crafts some. That's probably not happening.

Dancing, Dancing, Dancing

I watched the results show from the DVR, so I was able to fast forward through much of it, especially the contestants coming back to do their favorite dance again. There was something just painful about watch Monica Seles and Penn Jillett out there again. I don't get Usher either. Didn't enjoy those segments much. Did he even sing live?? He was on Saturday Night Live last week and it was kind of the same thing all over again. Hasn't he grown as an artist at all? Loved the clip with the Bromance between Cristian & Jason. Very funny. Loved how the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders came out when that younger dance couple won. That boy's night was made.

And 1 hour and 56 minutes after it started we found out that Kristi won!!! I was concerned when it came down to Kristi & Jason. I'm sure it was my mom's and Court's votes that made all the difference!! LOL

So, goodbye, DwTS, until September {depending on who the stars are ;)}

I'm officially over Idol

I watched American Idol tonight. It's official. I'm over it. Done. Will not watch another episode. Ever! Well, except for tomorrow night, maybe. LOL I did watch to see if Angela was able to snag herself some tickets to it. Didn't see her, but then it was hard to see much of the crowd.

The judges, show, production, everything so want Archie to win this thing. It was so evident. Randy "Dawg" Jackson continued his man love for Boy Wonder. We found out for the upteemth time tonight that Archie could sing the phone book and make it sound good. Thanks, Randy. You haven't told us that yet this season.

Since Paula didn't make any strange comments, what was up with that outfit? What did she have on? Were those rhinestones, rivets, what? And pink? Hmmmm At least she seemed coherent this time.

And did Simon have other plans for tonight? He was so not interested in sitting through the show. Wasn't really surprised by what he had to say. Nothing really original. Other than the fact that Simon never once commented that Archie does the same thing week after week after week. I believe when Clay did that Simon was all over him for it. And Clay is a better singer than Archie, imo.

The judges were very much trying to sway the audience to make the "right" choice and vote for Archie. We'll see if the audience listens and votes for the right person. I won't be vote. Unlike Dancing, I don't vote on Idol. Not since Kelly Clarkson's days have I voted. So really I can't be upset if my person doesn't win. Apparently I'm not that invested that I won't spend hours trying to vote.

So I am proclaiming that this will be the last season of Idol that I watch. I'm done. I've had enough.

Now I've gotta watch my Dancing and see if my girl Kristi can win. Thanks, Court, for voting for her!

On the Road

I went to Houston today for a deposition. It was supposed to be 4+ hours. I drove down there. 1:00 p.m. start time. Well, it lasted 1-1/2 hours. Bummer! Glad I didn't fly now, because then I would have been in the hole money-wise.

Got home and watched Dancing with the Stars. I hope Kristi wins. I'll be voting for her! I liked how they have the long, extended song and had all the remaining 3 do the same dance to the same song. That should be a required element to the show from now on. It was easier to see who was a better dancer, etc. While some think Kristi has/had an unfair advantage because of her skating experience, she still gave it her all week in and week out. That girl worked her butt off to get to the finals. Let's hope a woman finally wins! (Can you tell I have a girl crush on Kristi?)

Tomorrow night we have the finale of American Idol. I saw online where Vegas has Cook being the winner, like 72% chance or something. It's kind of a double-edge sword if Cook wins, because he's then required to make some album real quick that may or may not suck. Oh, well, at least he'll have kept Archie from winning!

Also, I tried to get a hair appointment before ZoneFest. Not sure it's going to happen. When I originally scheduled it, my week was busy, busy with depos. But now most of my week has fizzled because of a death in some atty's family. I wanted to have nice brown hair for ZoneFest. My mom was aghast at how much gray I had in my hair when she was up here a couple of weeks ago. I reminded her I'm about to be 39, which makes her that much closer to 60! LOL I will admit I've got a skunk stripe working, and it' ain't attractive. I'm going to see if Natasha can't get me in now that my week is more clear. I'd color it myself, but I can't seem to pick the right color. Everyone I've picked end up looking jet black, or give me a reddish tint that I don't care for.

Oh, and I'm finally getting my car fixed from the wreck. I'm now driving a Mazda 6. Fun little car, but very low to the ground. Got much better gas mileage to Houston than my TrailBlazer would have gotten though. And at $3.70 a gallon, every little bit helps!

Everyone have a great night. And if you haven't yet, you have until 11:00 a.m. cst tomorrow (Tuesday) to vote online for Kristi at http://www.abc.com/ Go Vote!!

Feeling Crafty

Cards
Originally uploaded by JennEllenTx

I've been on a craft binge lately. I have all this craft stuff and decided to make good use of it. Most of the cards have been delivered. Although, there's still one to be delivered soon. Then it will be on to the next round of birthdays, etc.

Also, I've decided I've got to get a true crafting space designated. It's just too much getting all the stuff out and then putting it back up. So for now I'm going to use the other half of my office as my craft space. I'm going to put a long table along the wall with my craft supplies more at the ready. I might even break out the sewing machine. Granted, that means I'll have to learn how to really use the thing. It's much, much harder sewing a straight line than I imagined!

So go here to check out the rest of the cards I've made.

Adventures in Babysitting

Yesterday I got to babysit Hana Grace while her parents went to a party. Everything went fabulously! She's just such a happy, happy baby. I restrained myself and only did one outfit change. I had gotten her this really cute white summer dress, but got the wrong size. Had a total brain fart! Well, I couldn't find the one I originally bought in the right size so had to do get a different one. I, of course, had to try it on her. Hana looked adorable!

We had a nice few hours. Hana played and played and made lots of noises. She's getting pretty vocal. Watch out when she starts to form words! I got to feed her a bottle. And the way she chewed on that bottle's nipple, I can only imagine what Courtney's going through!! Wow! I changed her diaper a couple of times. No poop! Lucked out, I guess. LOL She stood for a bit at her play mat gnawing on the top of it. See the post below for a picture of it.

I did take my camera and took some photos. When Court & Joe got home, Joe asked how many I took. He was thinking in the 300 range. It wasn't that many. She was all about making the noises, practicing her Na-na-na, and any other noises she could get to come out! Here are the photos I took. Hana 5-17-08

It was a fun evening and I can't wait for the next time!

Look at me!

DSC_7448
Originally uploaded by JennEllenTx

Look at what Hana did! We were playing on the floor and then she grabbed ahold of her play mat and then was just standing there. I do think she may go from crawling to walking pretty quick. She does love to stand up!

TGI Friday!

So glad it's Friday! Not that this week has been terrible or anything. Just glad it's over. I've got a busy week next week. Going to Houston on Monday. Have depos for both Tuesday and Wednesday. But I should be able to head to the lake for Friday, being next weekend is ZoneFest! I'm looking forward to seeing mom's house and all the work that's been done. And getting to see everybody for the party. I'll be leaving early Sunday because I have musical tickets for Ring of Fire. I hope that it ends up being good.

Just doing a little work around the house. Waiting for the mail to come and then I'll head out to the bank and a few errands. Today will be the day the mailman decides to come at 4:59, if not later. Hopefully he'll get here so I can get to the bank!

Thursday is a big TV night for me. Not that any other night isn't necessarily. But I enjoy watching My Name is Earl, The Office and ER. I'm still a sucker for ER. Although, it's not near as good as it used to be. Then I DVR Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy. I've watched all of it. My Name is Earl was good. That show has really grown on me. The Office was pretty good. It really set up some stuff for next season. ER was typical ER season finale. Something blew up! Wow! That's got to be the MOST dangerous hospital to work at. Then I watched Ugly Betty, which I really like. I wasn't a huge fan of Gio and Betty, but the last few weeks he's really grown on me. Plus, there's something about Henry that bugs me. And it's not the actor, because he's been in other stuff I've watched. And Wilhemia is back! Looking forward to next week's season finale.

Now to Grey's. I'm still waiting to just LOVE Grey's like I used to. I still like it, but I'm tired of all the whining. Meredith is finally dealing with her issues, so I hope to see something more from her in the future. Christina, who I used to like, it just annoying now. She's all heartbroken over Burke. But is she really heartbroken over the love she lost or the opportunity she lost learning under him? I think it's the latter. Then there's some storyline going with Alex that I could care less about. I'm liking the Callie/McSteamy/Hahn storyline, or whatever
is going on. And Derek is being Derek. It's getting old. And George is being under used. I will watch next week to see what happens. I'm sure that it will end with Derek & Meredith either together or on the verge of getting back together.

And being that I watched live TV last night and saw the commercials, I have to say I really don't like those Quizno's commercials where the people are eating the $5 bills. It's so strange, like the people are mental. What's up with Quizno's advertizing? They used to have those rats/hamsters that were dressed up and singing. Strange!!

So that's all for now!

I got the call today (okay, really yesterday)

Court called me yesterday to see if I could babysit this Saturday! Wahoo!! LOL I'm going to be watching Hana while Court & Joe go to a birthday party/dinner. I'm very excited. I'm sure all will go well. Hana is always so happy! Also, I'm sure I'll bring my camera along and will get some new pictures of her. And I won't have to worry about Joe nagging if I decide to try some different outfits on her! LOL I'm really looking forward to it.

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANGELA! (And Josh, from the 11th, and Court, from the 14th)! And I know Baylee's birthday is somewhere in here. Sorry, Baylee, I don't know the exact day!! This is a busy birth month for the family. But then so is July and September.

I saw over on Court's Blog (Watch Her As She Grows) that she talked a bit about American Idol & Top Chef. So I'm going to have to comment now, too.

First, American Idol. I, too, got sucked into this season. That darn writer's strike!! I had vowed to not be sucked in and manipulated to care about these people. But that didn't happen. I've watched more of this season than any since Carrie Underwood won. Anyway, the final two is what I was expecting. It will be the two Davids. I'm hoping that David Cook wins. However, I think TPTB (the powers that be) want David Archie to win. Yeah, I know that's not his name, but have not a clue how to spell the real one. Randy has been in luuuuuve with Archie from the get-go. I just don't get it. Yes, he can sing well, but has no stage presence and is ultimately forgettable. I mainly know as much as I do about him because of his crazy father. Oh, well, just another week and then I can make my vow to not get involved with Idol again! I'm going to stick to my guns this time.......or at least try to!

Second, Top Chef: If you're not watching this show, you really need to. It's probably one of my most favorite reality shows out there. Second only to The Amazing Race. It's on Bravo on Wednesday nights at 9:00 cst. Last night's elimination challenge was to create a healthy and nutritious meal for the Chicago Police Academy Cadets. There were some interesting choices of foods. And really I don't know how many of the cadets would make the choices they had available to them from the Top Chefs day in, day out. I was concerned when my favorite (Stephanie) decided to go with a soup. I'm not much of a soup eater out and about. I like soup at home. There's too many chances for spillage when you're out and about. Anway, Steph's soup was a big hit. My second favorite, Richard, did burritos. They went over so-so. Being it's Top Chef, these were "fancy" burritos. LOL Ultimately, I was happy with who went home. Andrew was way too high energy and annoying to me, and he made sushi! Sushi!! I can't think of one single thing he ever cooked that I thought looked really yummy and wanted to think about making. You'll notice I said think about making. I'm not fooling myself that I'd actually make it! I think we'll see Stephanie, Richard, Antonia and Dale in the final four. Although, Lisa is a wild card. While I don't like her, she seems to skim by each week and really shine when she needs to.

JennEllen's Blogging!

Well, after being jealous over Court's blog, and even checking out Josh's, I decided to get in on the game, too. Granted, mine will not be as cute as Court's. I mean how can I possibly compete with Hana Grace!! That girl is beautiful, smart, and a constant enjoyment to us all. And don't be expecting anything as fabulous as what's going on in LA, as Josh will provide that for us.

Mainly, I'll just probably bore everyone (or anyone) who reads this with the things that are interesting to me, at least at the time. So there will be observations, thoughts, and maybe a few rants every now and then about: TV (watching too much), crafting (cards/photos), work (if anything interesting ever happens), people (family/friends/strangers).

So there you go, my first post about JennEllen's Blog.