Michael and Sarah-in-Law came to visit this weekend. We had a great time! Saturday was our second annual Tour de Fleur run, which starts and finishes at the Dallas Arboretum. It's 20K (12.4 miles) around White Rock Lake and through the Lakewood residential neighborhood (which is gorgeous.) There are bands and drum lines set up all along the trail which serve as great motivators for running. More bands play at the Arboretum and there are tents set up with free food, drink, and massages on the lawn. This is my favorite race of the year!
Sarah and I had lunch with her sister, Ginny, at Breadwinner's after the race. Then she and I did a little shopping in the boutiques on Lovers Lane. It is wonderful to have such a sweet sister-in-law. She has a great sense of humor and is always fun to be around. I wish she and Michael lived a little closer so we could enjoy their company more often.
Jeremy got a new chair this weekend. It replaced the hideous blue recliner in the living room. Unfortunately the blue recliner has not gone into full retirement and now temporarily resides in the sitting room.
Patton and I went to the dog park this morning. He met a little girl Boston. They were so cute playing together. I wonder if dogs recognize their own breed. He got a bath and is napping on the couch. A tired dog makes a happy dog owner!
In news at school/work: I had my first 911 call of the year. A little boy with asthma and no medications at school was running outside during a fitness class and came to the clinic in respiratory distress. I did everything I knew to do sans medicine to help open his airways to no avail and ended up calling EMS. He was treated, seen by the doctor and referred to a specialist. I am hoping this scared his mom into providing medication at school so I can help keep her child safe.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Been a Long Time...
So much for my resolution to blog more often, huh? There's a lot to catch up on since Labor Day, which we spent at the Arboretum enjoying Picnic in the Park. We sat on the lawn and watched the sunset over White Rock Lake while drinking wine and listening to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. When it got dark there was a projector showing of The Princess Bride. It was wonderful and free! You just bring your own blanket, food, and drink and they open the park to the public.
Last weekend Jeremy and I had planned to head to Houston for Michael Fest: A Celebration of All Things Michael. Unfortunately Hurricane Ike had other plans. My brother had to call off his birthday party. Michael and Sarah-in-Law made it through the storm with persons and house intact. They are getting a first hand lesson in life pre-electricity and running water. Now they take their Roman baths by candle light.
I am still establishing and figuring out boundaries at my new school. It's a large and diverse population. I'm getting to know all the faculty/staff and students. So far I would say I like them and the job. It's challenging on my patience and my nursing skills, but I feel I learn something valuable each day and help a few people while I do it. I'm sure I've pissed a few people off, but I can't please every one. Over all I have a good rapport with the people of Hamilton Park and feel I have a healthy dose of confidence to get the job done and fear to do it correctly.
The house is great! Sometimes Jeremy and I just look at each other and say, "I love this house." It's really ours!! And it's beautiful! I haven't decorated just yet. We have plans for every room and are saving for well thought out purchases (which is easier for Jeremy than it is for me.) I think Jeremy and I are giving up all gifts to each other and are now only giving gifts to the house. If it's a good house Santa may bring a new couch and chair for the living room this Christmas!
Softball season kind of started again for the KPMG Camels. Although, todays game was canceled for the Cowboy game and last weeks was rained out. I'd say I'll report back at least after our triple header next week but I don't want to write any blogging checks my blogging commitment won't cash.
Last weekend Jeremy and I had planned to head to Houston for Michael Fest: A Celebration of All Things Michael. Unfortunately Hurricane Ike had other plans. My brother had to call off his birthday party. Michael and Sarah-in-Law made it through the storm with persons and house intact. They are getting a first hand lesson in life pre-electricity and running water. Now they take their Roman baths by candle light.
I am still establishing and figuring out boundaries at my new school. It's a large and diverse population. I'm getting to know all the faculty/staff and students. So far I would say I like them and the job. It's challenging on my patience and my nursing skills, but I feel I learn something valuable each day and help a few people while I do it. I'm sure I've pissed a few people off, but I can't please every one. Over all I have a good rapport with the people of Hamilton Park and feel I have a healthy dose of confidence to get the job done and fear to do it correctly.
The house is great! Sometimes Jeremy and I just look at each other and say, "I love this house." It's really ours!! And it's beautiful! I haven't decorated just yet. We have plans for every room and are saving for well thought out purchases (which is easier for Jeremy than it is for me.) I think Jeremy and I are giving up all gifts to each other and are now only giving gifts to the house. If it's a good house Santa may bring a new couch and chair for the living room this Christmas!
Softball season kind of started again for the KPMG Camels. Although, todays game was canceled for the Cowboy game and last weeks was rained out. I'd say I'll report back at least after our triple header next week but I don't want to write any blogging checks my blogging commitment won't cash.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
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):
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):
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
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.)
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.)
Monday, August 11, 2008
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:
Roses for Cynthia:
Strawberry Birthday Cake:
Rocky in his diaper:
Cynthia blowing out the candles:
Friday, August 8, 2008
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!
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!
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