Busy Bees!

Oh my goodness! It has been such a busy two weeks. I'm still getting settled into my new clinic. It has been quite the challenge and at times I feel a bit overwhelmed, but never out of control. I will be relieved once things settle down. The beginning of the year is always wild.

Bootcamp is going really well. It also challenges me, but on another level. Jeremy and I are still training for the 20k (12.4 miles) Tour de Fleur run on September 21. This is my favorite run of the year and I am looking forward to it!

The McDannel household will be immensely busy this fall but I am going to be more vigilant about updating our blog. Wishing everyone a happy Labor Day!

Tamara Joins the Military

I don't mean the US Military, but Dallas Military Fitness (a bootcamp class.) Sorry for the misleading title. It's reminiscent of fitness magazines that advertise "Eat Everything You Want and Still Loose Weight," only to reveal in the article that the key is to not want to eat unhealthy foods.

Tonight was my first class. It rained the entire time, which was refreshing. The class was a great workout. I am already sore. I hope this pays off, but in the mean time I'll enjoy it.

Me and my "piece" (what DMF calls the PVC pipe filled with sand that they make us hold above our heads while we run uphill):

Birthday Wishes and Good Company

Today is my Dad's birthday so first things first:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!! I LOVE YOU!!!

Today was a really fun day spent with my mother-in-law, Jackie. We started with a stroll in Northpark Mall that included window shopping and coffee. Then we pampered ourselves with mani/pedis. After which a delicious lunch at Snuffer's was had. Our plans to watch a movie didn't come into fruition do to time constraints, but that just gives us an excuse to get together again soon.

I am truly blessed to have such a great family (blood and law.) I wish everyone was as fortunate as I am; not only did a get a pretty swell guy, but his family is awesome too! It makes me wish my parents lived closer. Hopefully they will retire soon and head north (hint*hint.)

Cynthia's Birthday Party

My friend, Cynthia, had a birthday last weekend. Since Jeremy and I were out of town we missed the celebration. To make up for it I had a mini-party at our house last night. I made Cynthia's favorite strawberry cake with homemade marshmallow butter creme frosting and got a dozen of her favorite pink roses. We ordered in and watched the Olympics. She brought over her chihuahua, Rocky, who had to wear a diaper so he wouldn't tinkle in the house. It was so funny. We had a great time!

Roses for Cynthia:


Strawberry Birthday Cake:


Rocky in his diaper:


Cynthia blowing out the candles:

Second Annual Moonlight Margaritas in Austin

Just got home from a fun, fun trip to Austin this Thursday and Friday! Jayme and I participated in our second annual Moonlight Margarita 5K race last night. It was stifling and we were both glad we didn't pass out of heat exhaustion at the finish line- it was 102F! (Not sounding like "fun, fun," yet but I assure you it was- keep reading.) The thought of ice cold margaritas kept us moving and we felt the party afterwards was much deserved. We drank our fair share and danced on the lawn to Pat Green. Oh glorious night!

Earlier that day we drove in and met my friend, Courtney, on the Drag. After an excellent lunch at the infamous Veggie Heaven and some yummy bubble teas, we played dress up in a vintage store and took a few interesting pictures of life and art on the Drag.

It was wonderful to see my grade school friend, Courtney, and her husband, Jason. We stayed at their home; they are always very gracious hosts. Courtney and I talked on the patio until 2:30am. I love the familiarity and ease of conversations with old friends, especially ones as interesting, amusing, and abiding as Courtney.

Speaking of old friends, I had a wonderful surprise when Courtney brought our mutual friend, Dan (whom I haven't seen in nearly 10 years,) as well as her mom, Francis, to lunch today. It was so nice to see Dan again and hear he's doing quite well working as an accountant for a non-profit organization in Austin. I loved visiting with Francis and reminiscing on years past when Courtney, Dan, and I were kids.

We hit the road after lunch. The "traffic gods" smiled upon us most of our trip and we only had one stop along the way. No drive down I35 is complete with out a swing by the Czech Stop. We made it home in time to pick up Duke from boarding and let him and Patton play in backyard for 20 minutes before Jayme had to head back to Oklahoma. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and look forward to next year's adventure, sans heat!

They are fleeing to Oklahoma?!

We sent yet another friend off to Oklahoma last night. The only thing I can think of that would be drawing people to this state, other than the fact that their state mammal is the bison, is the price of gas. So this is to wish Josh good luck in his venture. Texas will miss ya!

Michael and Sarah's New House

Jeremy and I went to visit my brother, Michael, and his his wife, Sarah, at their beautiful new home in Houston this past weekend. Unfortunately I forgot the camera. You must take my word for it, it is a truly beautiful home. It is very tastefully decorated by Sarah. Michael even allowed us into his media room- which is awesome. While in Houston we went to the Holocaust Museum on Saturday followed by an Astros game. We had a blast and look forward to them coming to visit us in September!

In other McDannel news: last night was the last softball game of the summer. The season ended on a losing note, but all in all it was a fun summer activity. The fall season will be starting in a month or two. We'll keep you posted.