The Allison Krewe

The Toxic Avenger!

2009-09-05T21:56:00.000-05:00

Just got back from seeing "The Toxic Avenger Musical." The pic us of
us before the show, having a drink named after it. It was a really
fun show, with a great cast. The most impressive parts were the fast
fast fast quick changes with the cast of 5 playing many characters,
and how well they bounced between them. We were also full of a
fantastic bottle of wine and amazing filet mignon.

Toxic Avenger!

2009-09-05T15:56:00.001-05:00

Off to dinner at Sparky's Steakhouse, where a couple of famous
mobsters were gunned down in the doorway. Then, to the off-Broadway
sensation "The Toxic Avenger Musical."

Amanda is married!!!

2009-09-05T10:40:00.001-05:00

The ceremony in Central Park was beautiful, and now James and Amanda
are married! We are at the reception now in another part of the park,
sitting in the grass and eating finger foods. It's a nice day, just a
little warm outside the shade.

Bachelorette!!!

2009-09-04T17:33:00.000-05:00

Amanda's party at John's, a pizza joint near Broadway.

Start spreading the news...

2009-09-04T14:12:00.001-05:00

Yup, we are well on our way to New York, New York. We are currently
on the train from Newark airport into the city, where we will navigate
to our hotel somewhere near the Empire State Building. Amanda gets
married tomorrow morning, so that's why we are here. It's David's
first time in the Big Apple, so it should be lotsa fun.

Sent from my iPhone

Babies babies babies

2009-08-19T09:31:00.001-05:00

Seems as though everyone's having one. So since babies have been on my brain, I've been collecting little baby-related projects I wanted to start. A coworker of mine is having a shower this Friday, so I decided to try a couple.

This is my first attempt at making a baby blanket! It's super soft, with a fuzzy flannel side with stars and a pink "minky" side. I think it turned out really cute.

I also made a couple of decorative burp clothes. They're made with Gerber cloth diapers. You could probably still put them on your baby, too, if you wanted to use them as diapers...
I think they turned out really cute. Next time, I'm going to experiments with other embellishments like ribbons and other little details.

Sink!

2009-08-15T02:13:00.001-05:00

Got sick of the old stainless version. I think I like this a bit
better...

Matarangi Panorama

2009-08-02T00:47:00.001-05:00

Matarangi Panorama
Originally uploaded by Dallas Allison Krewe

For those of you lucky enough to want to remember the view and for those of you who haven't experienced it...

Drip drip drip...

2009-07-09T07:03:00.000-05:00

With a huge amount of determination, we're going to attempt to
actually keep some plants alive in the middle of the summer while
we're on vacation.

I piggy backed off of the mister line run, but put seperate valves on
them so we could keep the pups cool all day without drowning the plants.

Wish us luck!

25 psi regulator
Timer
Hose to 1/4 ID adapter
30 ft of 1/4 ID tubing
2 Tees
3 1/2 gph drip nozzles

Key West Hamock Chair

2009-07-03T09:15:00.000-05:00

A present from my parents. Man does our patio feel luxurious now.

I think we'll finally beat the heat.

2009-06-28T13:38:00.001-05:00

Set this up this morning. Experimented with it last year on top of a
fan. This year it's something more permanent.

Long time no update. Been busy!

2009-06-26T06:48:00.000-05:00

It's almost done I swear. Just have to reseal the ends, permanently
wire the power, and install the decorative boots.

Summertime means new hair

2009-05-30T18:15:00.000-05:00

Got a hair cut today, going back to a short style. I took in some
pics of Mandy Moore's hair from the movie How to Deal. I also got a
dab of color today with some kind of honey-blonde highlights here and
there underneath the brown. It's the first time I've ever colored my
hair. :-)

Concert on the Lakes

2009-05-29T19:24:00.002-05:00

I played bachelor last night and went out to the Concert on the Lakes series out at the harbor. It was a gorgeous night filled with Beetles music.

http://www.meandmymonkey.com/

Check out our flickr photo stream for more pictures of our beautiful sunsets.

3 Up, 23 to Go

2009-05-23T15:07:00.001-05:00

Fence replacement now under way!

Adirondack Chair

2009-05-15T19:28:00.003-05:00

My friend Aaron Hamilton just finished our Adirondack chair and sitting on the arm is a wine bottle stopper he also made that will one day turn into a Christmas present (assuming I don't just fall in love with it first).

Fish Tank!

2009-05-11T22:45:00.005-05:00

11 creatures and I think we're finally full up.

Here's to you - Slash, Fido, The Donald, Sunshine, Bob, Jaspreet (the frog), Ashley (the snail), Pierce Brosnan, Sean Connery, Moonlight, and Larry!

New Camera

2009-05-08T22:00:00.007-05:00

So I decided to get a new camera at the same time as our friend Jaspreet. Been shooting non-stop with it when I have time. It's a blast.

Check out some of the photos on flickr!

Alabama Humidity

2009-04-12T09:32:00.001-05:00

Sadie got a little hot yesterday. Our little mountain goat.

Stained Glass is Up!

2009-03-30T22:44:00.002-05:00

Just in time for Lauren's Supper Club I got the stained glass up on the wall. The bedroom is almost complete now. Just need a table for the TV and our vinyl decal.

Bedroom redo almost complete!

2009-03-29T22:41:00.001-05:00

The paint job is done! New bedding and lamps. Now we just need to
add our wall art: the stained glass window, some vinyl wall art we got
on Etsy, and other yet to be determined pieces. I will also need to
get some kind of small table for my TV since we rearranged the
furniture.

Beach guest room paint almost complete

2009-03-28T12:49:00.001-05:00

I've been painting in the "beach room" and so far, so good. It's a
barely yellow color called "golden fleece". You can already see the
difference in how bright and open it feels compared to that tan color.

Getting started with the painting!

2009-03-28T10:56:00.001-05:00

David, Jon, Ryan and I are painting a few rooms today! Just started
on our bedroom.

St. Patty's Day Par-tay

2009-03-21T20:32:00.001-05:00

On our way to the party at Chris Horne's house. David wanted to put
the lederhosen that were his grandfather's to good use... So he's
David the Leprechaun. "All y'all seen the leprechaun, say YEAH!!!"

Supa-sta!

2009-03-11T11:50:00.005-05:00

Well, it's been a while since David or I have posted, so I thought I'd make an update.

I helped host the pledge drive on KERA (our local PBS station) last week during "Celtic Woman: The Greatest Journey." (Pic at right, in front of the call bank) This is my third time hosting, my second during a live show, and I really enjoy it. Basically, you just read off a teleprompter, trying to coerce people into calling in and becoming members of KERA. It's a lot of fun, though, and you get to meet a lot of interesting people.

In other news, I had my audition for "Kiss Me, Kate" at Rockwall Community Playhouse on Saturday, then was called back to read for the part I wanted on Sunday. Unfortunately, though, I was not cast...I was offered a part in the chorus and decided to decline, mostly because David misses me too much during all the rehearsals required by RCP shows, and a chorus part wasn't worth it for the time away from him.

I do have plans to audition for a few other things in the near future, and will keep you posted.

Zombie Dearest

2009-01-31T19:26:00.001-06:00

We're currently awaiting the start of Pocket Sandwich Theatre presents Zombie Dearest. Braaaaaains!

www.pocketsandwich.com

Ice!

2009-01-29T11:02:00.000-06:00

It's been quite icy in DFW the past couple of days. Luckily, it's
supposed to warm up again this weekend...crazy Texas weather.

Lauren on the Dead Lift

2009-01-15T20:49:00.002-06:00

She's a hawse! Check out http://crossfit.com/

New glasses!

2009-01-15T12:08:00.000-06:00

Since I finally have glasses that are the right prescription, I plan
to actually wear them other than just at home. I love these, the
frames are kind of blue on the outside and lime green on the inside.

The Moon!

2009-01-13T12:35:00.000-06:00

I got Lauren up on a ladder for this picture.

Flowers!

2009-01-09T16:11:00.002-06:00

The sales staff in Casper sent me flowers for all the work I've done
on their showcases. The note says, "Thanks, we will get better. From, Bob Price & his crew of pain in the asses.".

How sweet! I will even overlook that they sent it to "Laura" Allison. :-). Everyone got a kick out of that.

Encore!

2009-01-09T10:03:00.002-06:00

We're off to Houston this weekend to see Spring Awakening on tour! This is the show I saw in New York when I visited Amanda for Thanksgiving. I loved it so much, I bought the soundtrack and immediately looked to see where the tour would be, since it's closing on Broadway January 18. What do you know, Houston! So I get to see it again, and David gets to experience it. I hope he likes it...I know I'll be disappointed if he doesn't.

I hope the tour comes to Dallas some time next year... I really want to sit on the stage.

Watch gear ring = awesome!

2008-12-29T18:59:00.001-06:00

Another gift from David came after Christmas from this steampunk-
inspired shop called Dust & Co on Etsy. It's a ring made with the
insides of an antique watch. This photo doesn't acurrately depict its
awesomeness. I love it!!!

His other gift to me was a new coat, which I picked out, so it was
nice to have a surprise gift.

9:30 and she's still going!

2008-12-21T21:28:00.000-06:00

We plan to leave at 6 tomorrow and the cake balls are only the first
thing on the list of things to finish...

Cute little purses!

2008-12-21T20:26:00.000-06:00

After a million throw pillows (or at least what seemed like a million)
I have graduated to the coin purses for my cousins. This is more of
the fabric I got in NY. I think they came out really cute!

David is in the background where he's been most of the day--on the
chaise playing video games.

Sewin' fool

2008-12-14T23:27:00.001-06:00

Seven pillows today. I'd say that's a good day. :-) (five pictured.)

We also finally got the tree decorated. We watched Love Actually for
the millionth time...and I still cried at the end, as always.

My first creation-- a throw pillow!

2008-12-14T12:58:00.001-06:00

I made my first thing with my new sewing machine -- a throw pillow! I
got the fabric in Brooklyn while I was visiting Amanda. It matches
our current bed spread and the guest one, and I have enough to make
two. Yay!

Birthday fun begins!

2008-12-12T15:16:00.000-06:00

David surprised me at work and stole me away for lunch at Asian Mint.
He got Vic to tell me I had a lunch meeting to be in so I wouldn't
make other plans. It was very tasty--summer rolls, pad Thai and
green tea ice cream cake.

We just got to the Whirly Ball court for team building fun! Pictured
is the cake I got from GAP. :-)

Goodbye, 'stache

2008-12-05T13:45:00.003-06:00

Today is a wonderful day. It's the last day of Movember. You may think, November is already over. Oh no, this is Movember. Where men across the country grow elaborate moustaches for the purpose of looking absolutely ridiculous for the sake of competition.

David's office participates every year with their own version, and I've been able to dodge the bullet the past two years with these awesome excuses:

Our wedding is November 11.
Our First Anniversary is November 11.

But this year, I couldn't use the same "anniversary" excuse again, and David participated in growing a silly 'stache. Here it is (pictured.) But today is the day it goes away, and I am thrilled!

Okay, so it wasn't so bad. You get sorta used to it after a while...but that doesn't mean I won't be happy to see it gone!

Home

2008-12-01T15:07:00.002-06:00

I finally made it back to Dallas, after several delays in the Newark airport. I pulled up in my driveway around 3:00 AM last night. Luckily, I had slept pretty heavily through most of the flight (no one sat next to me, which really helped!) I still have only seen David sleeping, except when I was half asleep and he kissed me goodbye this morning. So I'm looking forward to some one-on-one time at home tonight with my hubby and puppies, away from all the hubbub of the last few days!

New York is a wonderful place, so culturally diverse and with a million things to do. I can see why Amanda is just loving it. Part of me is jealous; I would love to live the "New York" lifestyle of bustling about, not owning a car, having access to anything you would ever want and just being part of such an amazing city. But part of me is also glad that I can go to the store and just load the groceries in the trunk of my car and drive home, and that if I want green space, all I have to do is walk out my back door.

It's good to be home.

Broadway!

2008-11-29T18:09:00.001-06:00

Going to see the show. Glad we chose this one since it's closing in
January. It's won a bunch of Tonys.

M&M store

2008-11-29T16:37:00.000-06:00

Supposedly the doors were closed right before we got here because Tom
Cruise was inside.

Times Square!

2008-11-29T16:07:00.000-06:00

The Village

2008-11-29T13:26:00.001-06:00

Spent the morning traipsing around Brooklyn and went to the fabric
store. We got tickets to see "Spring Awakening" on Broadway tonight.
Right now we are having a croque Monsieur and Madame at the French
Roast then off to China Town to shop.

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge

2008-11-28T22:33:00.001-06:00

Air tram to Manhatten

2008-11-28T19:49:00.001-06:00

After watching a silent film at MoMA we are on the air tram from
Roosevelt Island, on our way back to Brooklyn.

Bloomingdales

2008-11-28T19:20:00.000-06:00

It's Christmas time!

Strange art

2008-11-28T16:44:00.000-06:00

A room with videos on all walls, meditative music and a couch in the
center at MoMA.

Museum of Modern Art

2008-11-28T16:04:00.000-06:00

We're waiting to get inside MoMA. The line wraps around the block
since it's free on Fridays. Just ate a hotdog from a street vendor to
tide us over til dinner. We may go back to Brooklyn for dinner and
walk across the bridge with Amanda's friend James. It's warmer today,
which is nice. Just enjoying the city and people-watching.

Starting the day: Prospect Park

2008-11-28T13:45:00.000-06:00

We started the day with a tour of Brooklyn, where Amanda lives. This
is one of the largest parks in the city.

Thanksgiving times two

2008-11-27T18:50:00.001-06:00

After the parade, Amanda and I picked up some tulips and a pumpkin pie
to take over to our first Thanksgiving meal of the day. Two friends
from her Bible study had invited her to a dinner at an apartment near
In uptown Manhattan near Harlem. Dinner was awesome, and we hated
having to leave so soon, but we needed to get to the second dinner, at
Amanda's friend Jesse's place in Brooklyn. That's where we are now,
where Jesse and Amanda are working on a rather gourmet meal. I'm on
dish detail. :-). It smells awesome already. I'm just starting to
really drag after only 2 hours of sleep last night...

Amanda's favorite place in NYC

2008-11-27T11:27:00.000-06:00

Grand Central Station. It's packed today with the Thanksgiving crowd.

Santa!

2008-11-27T10:00:00.000-06:00

The end of the parade, and Christmas officially begins...on
Thanksgiving.

Macy's Parade!

2008-11-27T09:39:00.000-06:00

I'm in NYC, visiting my best friend Amanda and taking in the parade!
Fun, but crowded. I know there have been some celebrities in the
parade, but it's hard to tell who anyone is. It's really cool watching
the balloons come across between the buildings--it's always a surprise.

Living Room Complete

2008-11-22T13:50:00.004-06:00

We picked up the chaise lounge this morning and finally finished the living room. Now we've just got a couple of accessories to buy and have to get those DVDs out of site.

New furniture!!!

2008-11-17T12:03:00.004-06:00

Lauren and I adventured around Mesquite for about 4 hours on Saturday and ended up buying a new coffee table, end table, entertainment console, and a hutch from Rooms to Go. We also ended up buying a chaise lounge from The Room Store (coming this weekend) and another end table from Pier One (not pictured). Crazy thing is... we don't have to make a single payment toward most of it until July 2010.

Now we've got to fill up that empty wall above the TV with a bigger wall mounted TV ;)

Great minds think alike?

2008-11-11T17:04:00.001-06:00

David and I both had the same idea for our two year "cotton"
anniversary.

Two years of marriage...And he knows me well!

2008-11-11T10:19:00.000-06:00

Gerber daisies were delivered my office this morning, my
favorites!!! :-) How sweet is that?

These were the flowers we had in our wedding, too. My husband is the
best.

Hair cut

2008-11-06T21:36:00.001-06:00

I liked this hair cut so much, I'm actually keeping up with it. Got
it cut again today, then got my nails done with Anjali and Ashley.

Halloween!!!

2008-11-03T17:19:00.002-06:00

David and I went to our friend J-Rod's house for a fantastic Halloween party! Although I was sick almost all week before, I started feeling better Friday evening and was able to go to the party and have a great time.

David and I went as the Doctor and a sexy nurse:

I was really pleasantly surprised at all the time and effort people put into their costumes! Some of them were really impressive, particularly our friend Erik and his wife Anita, who went as the Joker and Poison Ivy:

We also had a super tall guy, Mario, the Wicked Witch of the East complete with house on top of her, Frye, Sarah Palin and John McCain, a cowboy and and Indian, a mad scientist, and lots of other costumes I either don't have time to name or just didn't get.

More photos are on Flickr, but friends and family access only. Let me know if you need help viewing them!

6 random things

2008-10-20T14:26:00.002-05:00

I was asked by Amanda to write six random things, like her post on the subject. Actually, she called for a list from Lauren + David. So, here is our list, as the collective consciousness that married couples seem to become:

I discovered recently that not only do David and I talk to each other in our sleep (something that wakes me up from time to time), but David also solves problems in his sleep. I woke up Saturday night to David's mumbling, something that happens on occasion (I once heard him exclaim that the answer was 54...to what, who knows). I was trying to make out the words when he suddenly sat part of the way up and leaned over across me, tapping his fingers on my stomach like it was a keyboard. Then he reached under the blanket and was moving his hand back and forth, which I assume was the mouse. It was all the self control I could muster not to giggle. After just a few moments of this, he decided to lie back down and roll over.
We both love horror movies, even the cheesy ones that are more laughable than frightening. Much of the training we do can be justified as preparing for survival in a zombie apocalypse...which I swear is just a coincidence.
We could probably eat different kinds of pasta every night for dinner and be perfectly content.
Part of the thrill of all the crazy things we do (run marathons, climb mountains, skydive, etc) is having the vast majority of people think we're crazy for doing it. The other part of the thrill is the accomplishment when we succeed. (We each thank the other often for being equally as crazy.)
Unlike some couples (it would seem), we actually do prefer to hang out with each other, and haven't yet found the need for time away - we mostly just do it because we know our lives should be well-rounded, and because we have other people we love and want to spend time with. I know it's mushy, but it's true.
We've decided that Denver is probably our favorite place in the country, but we're not sure if we'll ever live there, since being closer to family is much higher on our list of priorities.

There ya go... Now back to work.

Reimer's Ranch climbing

2008-10-11T20:59:00.001-05:00

We went camping and climbing outside Austin today. We spent the day
climbing at Reimer's Ranch with Steve, his two friends Cameron and Emily, and Shaheena and Francisco. David and I each led our first climb on a route called "Roly Poly Coco Kitty" on Dead Cats wall, a 5.7. The entire route was bolted, making it a little easier than the route Eli was leading us on in Estes Park, but it was a great first route.

The rest of the trip was nice, very easygoing, with a great group of people. They're also terrific climbers, so it was nice to watch their techniques - including Steve's crazy lead up a ridiculous climb to set a top rope, and joking about Emily's "sea lion technique" on that same route. We came back from climbing tired and sore and took a dip in the lake to wash off before settling down to bratwurst for dinner.

The pups had an absolute BLAST! They love camping. They were nervous when we were actually climbing and they were tied up, though. They kept whining, which usually isn't something they do for very long, but I think they were just worried about us. They had a long, fun day and even let us sleep in until 7:30!

Halloween costume: complete

2008-10-10T11:56:00.000-05:00

One great thing about having the...ummm ... more "alternative
shopping" mall so close to work: easy access to cheap "stripper"
shoes. Hehehe. These beauties officially complete my Halloween costume.

What will I be? It's a secret.

Boo!

2008-10-03T17:13:00.001-05:00

It's Halloween at Gap Broadcasting!

What should we be for Halloween?

2008-09-27T14:51:00.000-05:00

A giant fluffy bee?

Our run in the morning... wish us luck!

2008-09-26T21:00:00.001-05:00

18 Mile Run On! Route
Find more Runs in Dallas, Texas

A new week, a new perspective

2008-09-21T23:15:00.002-05:00

Well, after the past week's craziness (my new job, David's family visiting, David's birthday, the birthday barbeque, etc) we need to get back on course for our training and weight loss goals. So, starting tomorrow, it's back on track: keeping the WW Points down and tracking them in our spreadsheets, sticking to the FIRST program's marathon training schedule, as well as getting enough nutrition and enough rest to really bounce back from the slump we've been in. I'd say that although we've been getting in our long weekly runs most weeks, we haven't been fully committed to eating and exercising on plan in over a month. So, tomorrow, we're starting back full force.

Also, this week marks the second week of the new job, which is when all the real work is going to start rolling (or deluging) in. So I'm expecting to need a proper schedule to keep me focused and motivated as things start to build up.

If you were wondering, our barbeque for David's birthday went well. It was "Talk like a Pirate Day" themed, with eye patches and paper hats and a stuffed parrot for David to wear that our friend Nick brought. Lots of meat of all kinds and plenty of other food to go around, including my attempt at cake balls which everyone thought was quite yummy. All in all, another great get-together. And, my Tigers won over those other wannabe Tigers, so all is right in the world.

17 Miles... Or Not

2008-09-20T06:19:00.001-05:00

The schedule today actually called for 20 miles, but last weekend also
called for 17 miles, but our little Denver trip forced us to miss that
scheduled run. With that in mind we were to run 17 today and 20 next
week.

At least we're both in agreement this time... We're tired. Lauren
started her new job this week and my family has been in town, throwing
our schedule so completely off. So we're taking the morning off to
sleep in an we'll pick up the pieces of our running schedule Monday.

Long bike ride tomorrow?

Super fancy new desk

2008-09-17T11:54:00.001-05:00

Complete with yellow chairs!

Happy birthday, David!

2008-09-16T20:01:00.000-05:00

David's mom and two of his brothers, Matt and Jon, came to visit to
escape the hurricane damage of Houston and to celebrate David's 25th
birthday. We had hibachi and sushi at Edohana. Of course, David had
to get the odd obligatory witch-like hat, offbeat drumming Happy
Birthday song, and yummy lump of fried ice cream.

A step up

2008-09-16T09:52:00.000-05:00

Our IT director, Joe, got my new laptop and dual monitors set up
yesterday on my card table. The electrician is installing another
outlet today, and my furniture should be here tomorrow or Thursday.
Things are starting to shape up already. :-)

New job, new digs

2008-09-15T10:49:00.000-05:00

This is currently my desk at GAP Broadcasting for my first day. Yeah,
there behind the boxes. They picked out some furniture today, and my
laptop and dual monitors should be in today. Yay! I'm about to go
start digging around in the sites....and finish up the paperwork for HR.

Saying goodbye

2008-09-14T08:39:00.000-05:00

We drove back over to Lumpy Ridge to take some photos. The peak in the
middle of this pic is the Batman, with the point in front being the
part we climbed.
Now off to the airport!

Downtown Estes Park

2008-09-13T20:45:00.000-05:00

As much of a tourist town as Estes Park seems to be, we did find the
back half of downtown and it really is quite picturesque. Now to buy
some Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory chocolate. Yum!

At Bob & Tony's Pizza

2008-09-13T19:30:00.000-05:00

Giant pizza!

2008-09-13T19:26:00.000-05:00

We earned it.

Back on the ground

2008-09-13T17:15:00.000-05:00

We made it!

2008-09-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

The view from the top. This was the hardest climb we've ever done.
Lots of cracks and pull-ups and difficult footwork. If that is a
5.6-5.7, I think I'll be there for a while.

First pitch

2008-09-13T14:52:00.000-05:00

This is our first pitch. Up high! Almost to the top.

Getting ready for the big one

2008-09-13T13:10:00.000-05:00

Taking a little break while Eli sets the top rope for our next climb.

Climbing Location

2008-09-13T13:04:00.001-05:00

We're climbing "Batman & Robin"

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.405312,+-105.530527

Sent from my iPhone

First climbs

2008-09-13T12:01:00.000-05:00

Finished two small routes now. This is David tying in to do the
second route. The rock here is different, granite, so we're getting
used to it.

Getting ready

2008-09-13T10:55:00.000-05:00

Our guide Eli setting our top rope.

Just reached the peak

2008-09-13T10:46:00.000-05:00

We'll be climbing a place called "the batman" which is a few hundred
feet up from here.

Lumpy Ridge

2008-09-13T09:44:00.000-05:00

Getting ready to go climb. We are so pumped.

Italian dinner

2008-09-12T19:56:00.000-05:00

At the Dunraven downtown. I was craving some good pasta and we
happened to spot this little place. If the smell is any indication,
this should be pretty tasty. David moved when I took the pic but I
told him I was posting it anyway.

Our cabin

2008-09-12T18:36:00.000-05:00

Very cute. Full kitchen, fireplace, living room and king bed. Robes
too. :-) There's also a hot tub nearby that we plan on taking
advantage of later. Right now we're about to go back into town to get
some groceries and take some photos.

Arrival

2008-09-12T18:05:00.000-05:00

Our first glimpse of Estes Park

Rainbow

2008-09-12T17:32:00.000-05:00

A beautiful rainbow we spotted on the way to Estes Park just past
Boulder.

Driving through the mountains

2008-09-12T15:51:00.000-05:00

We are taking the recommended back way to Estes Park from Evergreen,
through the mountains. Beautiful.

Elk sighting!

2008-09-12T15:32:00.000-05:00

Right inside Mark and Sherry's fence. Crazy Colorado... They weren't
afraid of us at all.

Food and family

2008-09-12T13:12:00.000-05:00

Two of the best burgers in the country at the Country Road Cafe, owned
by David's Uncle Mark and Aunt Sherry.

The Denver Adventure Begins

2008-09-12T10:44:00.002-05:00

Lauren and I are currently cruising down the moving sidewalk at DEN after getting off of our 8:30 flight from DFW. We actually checked a bag for once, so we're off to baggage claim. Hope our bag made it. I wonder what the TSA agent when he scanned the harnesses and carabiners in the purple backpack Lauren is dragging.

Leaving for the last time

2008-09-11T17:06:00.000-05:00

Last day at TDMN. It's a happy-sad, bittersweet ending.

A great start

2008-09-10T14:11:00.000-05:00

I kind of started my new job this week by attending the annual
conference for GAP Broadcasting's southwestern stations. It was held
at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. So far, so good. Everyone seems
really nice and down-to-earth. And, the work doesn't sound like
anything I can't do...at least, not yet.
The photo is of our "guest speaker" this morning, Kidd Kraddick,
although you can't really tell who it is in the photo. Vic really
wanted to get a photo of me with Kidd, but he had to leave quickly.
Since the president of the company is good friends with him, though,
the opportunity may come around again.

Defeated by that North Texas sun...

2008-09-07T23:20:00.001-05:00

Our run today did not go quite as planned you could say. It started
out great: running down 549 in a crisp 70 degrees with a nice breeze
and plenty of water and tunes.

Things were still going well around mile 10, then the water started
getting low as the sun got higher and brighter and hotter. We stopped
at Cane Middle School, refilled and caught a bit of shade for several
minutes.

Back on our way I started to feel cramps building up in my calf
muscles. "Uh-oh," I started to think, "that's what happened last
time." 2 miles later I couldn't run any more and even walking hurt. I
tried cooling down and working through it, but to no avail.

I can't say it was my proudest moment, but I got Lauren to run the
rest of the way home to get the car. Ick.

Oh well. Big improvement over last time. We're skipping next week's
run to hang out in Denver and I'm looking forward to that.

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RCP Critic's choice

2008-09-07T17:50:00.002-05:00

This is me, dressed up all fancy for the Rockwall Community Playhouse
Critic's Choice banquet at the Hilton Bella Harbor. We had fun seeing
all my Grease castmates, but Grease only won two awards, for People's
Choice best actor (Drew as Danny) and our vocal coach won an award.
Singing in the Rain cleaned up! Just means I have to do another show.
Definitely doing Kiss Me Kate. Mrs Ragsdale is Asst Director for The
Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and was telling David how he'd make
a great Mr Tumnus...hehehe. I'll at least get him up there working on
the set or something this year.

Blast from the past

2008-09-07T17:41:00.001-05:00

One of my best friends from college and former roommates, Renee, came
to visit randomly this weekend. She just wrapped up PT school and
hasn't started the job she took in Brookhaven, Miss. yet, so she
decided to come visit us in Dallas. It had been over a year since we
had seen each other and over two years since we got to really talk.
It was great. There is really something to be said for having good
friends like that, with a history. So many things about who you are
and where you came from are just understood, even after years apart.
I was surprised to find that the comfortable, easy friendship was
still there after so much time had passed.

She got to spend time with some other Dallas area friends, too, and
met my new circle of friends here, who were so welcoming and friendly,
it reminded me why I love them so much.

Sad cube

2008-09-04T09:56:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that after next week, my cube at TDMN will no
longer be where I spend my days. I've actually already packed up a
lot of the stuff that was hanging on the walls. I'm a little sad, but
I'm ready for a new start.

Ready to run

2008-09-03T18:29:00.001-05:00

Bring it on, 7 mile tempo run. This is my game face. No silly cold, or "girl problems" or the fajitas I had for lunch will hinder me. Raaa!

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