LE SIGH.
I am trying to start back into a gym routine and here's what I've figured out: the only time I can work out is at 5 AM and 9 PM.
Lovely.
So this morning, I hoofed my ass to the gym at 5 AM, rolled in as Peter was making coffee (love you Urban Health & Fitness) and got some fat pinched for the first time in six months, since I was busting my booty at the gym with Le Dogg as my trainer-extraordinaire-ass-kicker.
Great news: I haven't gained a single pound!
The shiv to the jugular: I've gained 5% body fat!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? NOT STRENGTH TRAINING FOR 2 MONTHS = 5% BODY FAT INCREASE!?!?
This requires immediate action: p90x action.
I'm not kidding.
I watched one of the DVDs at my desk today and it made me want to barf.
This p90 business MEANS BUSINESS.
Now, Le Dogg says it should be called "P-get-off-your-ass-and-do-ANYTHING-for-90-days" because that's really all there is to it. And she's right.
So I'm going to do everything I can, every chance I can - which means that I can get in my three days a week of strength training at the gym at 5 AM M-W-F and then do my runs and cardio on the off days. Yoga and streching on day 7.
Every day.
Something.
It's a good example to set for a little one. And myself. There's nothing more important, that takes more precedence, than my health. I owe it to myself, to MJ and to IV.
And 90 days from TODAY, I will be celebrating the new year with a much healthier ME.
Happy 2010, iheartgalveston!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
BEACH BABIES WEAR SHADES
We met the Walkers for a random beach rendevous yesterday afternoon on our way home from Target - and dispelled the myth that you have to wear swimmin' suits to the beach:
IV loooooves some Kate and Avery, they are such sweet girls and shared all their sand toys, helped him fill his bucket with water and scoop sand into the mix. They had "races" to the rock jettys and back, made castles and generally had a fantastic time while Lea and I got to chat and hang out.
People can talk smack about our beaches, that they're dirty, that our sand isn't white...and here's my response:
How many of you can stop at the BEACH on your way home from TARGET?
'Nuff said!
IV loooooves some Kate and Avery, they are such sweet girls and shared all their sand toys, helped him fill his bucket with water and scoop sand into the mix. They had "races" to the rock jettys and back, made castles and generally had a fantastic time while Lea and I got to chat and hang out.
People can talk smack about our beaches, that they're dirty, that our sand isn't white...and here's my response:
How many of you can stop at the BEACH on your way home from TARGET?
'Nuff said!
GO 'STROS!
Miss Karen gave us her kick ass Astros tickets Friday night, so we decided to brave it with IV, under the auspice that if he got rowdy, we would just leave.
Um, we stayed for 45 minutes.
I guess it's asking a lot of a toddler to actually like, sit still and pay attention to a baseball game, especially when the Stros are absolutely horrible...after french fries and "the wave"...and clapping along with the crowd when they cheered...
IV decided enough was enough...
No walking? No pulling? No climbing?
*Please note "Homerun" appropriate overalls - the ONLY time overalls are acceptable, according to MJB*
This is crap.
So we decided to head for the stadium alleys, and walk for awhile. Wouldn't you know it? We found Junction Jack, the Houston Astros giant rabbit mascot!
IV was NOT impressed:
We left happy though, full of baseball fun, a soft foam ball and bat and lots of memories!
Um, we stayed for 45 minutes.
I guess it's asking a lot of a toddler to actually like, sit still and pay attention to a baseball game, especially when the Stros are absolutely horrible...after french fries and "the wave"...and clapping along with the crowd when they cheered...
IV decided enough was enough...
No walking? No pulling? No climbing?
*Please note "Homerun" appropriate overalls - the ONLY time overalls are acceptable, according to MJB*
This is crap.
So we decided to head for the stadium alleys, and walk for awhile. Wouldn't you know it? We found Junction Jack, the Houston Astros giant rabbit mascot!
IV was NOT impressed:
We left happy though, full of baseball fun, a soft foam ball and bat and lots of memories!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
R-A-G-G-M-O-P-P = RAGMOPP!
Thank the Lawdsy, my child has always had hair - from the minute he was born, he had a full head of it. I hear poor mommies talk about how their kiddos have no hair, bald as an eagle and man, that's just BAD.
What do you do about that? You can't accessorize a boy's head with bows.
I digress.
Anyway: IV's hair. It's a ridiculously adorable mop of hair - corkscrew curls in the back and shaggdoggie in the front.
But lately...it's been getting a little out of hand. And by out of hand, I mean that he pretty much just needs a NASCAR onesie or a sleeveless flannel shirt and he'll fit right in at the trailer park.
So my dear, sweet friend Erin P. came over yesterday with her haircutting scissors and gave IV his very first haircut!
IV was extreeeemly good, let Erin cut while Craig, Erin's hubby, and I distracted him with cell phones, bananas and funny faces. She asked me initally if I wanted it CUT like a "boy's" haircut or just trimmed - I couldn't bear to lop his curls off!
So we went with a trim.
And when she was done...
I gasped.
He looks so different - not a baby anymore. Like a little man. With nice, combed hair.
MJ thinks it's ridiculous that I saved the hair but - WHATEVS - I'm the mama and if I want to save hair, then I save hair.
LOOK AT THE CURLS!
What do you do about that? You can't accessorize a boy's head with bows.
I digress.
Anyway: IV's hair. It's a ridiculously adorable mop of hair - corkscrew curls in the back and shaggdoggie in the front.
But lately...it's been getting a little out of hand. And by out of hand, I mean that he pretty much just needs a NASCAR onesie or a sleeveless flannel shirt and he'll fit right in at the trailer park.
So my dear, sweet friend Erin P. came over yesterday with her haircutting scissors and gave IV his very first haircut!
IV was extreeeemly good, let Erin cut while Craig, Erin's hubby, and I distracted him with cell phones, bananas and funny faces. She asked me initally if I wanted it CUT like a "boy's" haircut or just trimmed - I couldn't bear to lop his curls off!
So we went with a trim.
And when she was done...
I gasped.
He looks so different - not a baby anymore. Like a little man. With nice, combed hair.
MJ thinks it's ridiculous that I saved the hair but - WHATEVS - I'm the mama and if I want to save hair, then I save hair.
LOOK AT THE CURLS!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
CROWS AND LELA BARNETT
1 Timothy 4:15-16
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
So this morning I thought to myself "I really need to update the blog, but nothing exciting has really happened...
I could write about Austin, how fun the trip was...
I could write about IV's banana love affair and how MJ has taught him to hold it himself now but he can't quite peel it yet..."
Hmmmm...
And then my work phone rang.
"Good moring Evia, this is Liz" I answered.
"Liz, my name is Lela Barnett. I am a local minister and I wanted to share a verse with you this morning that I think you might need to hear."
(people, I can't make this sh*t up, seriously)
I continued to listen.
"The verse is from first Timothy, chapter four, verses fifteen and sixteen; be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."
She went on.
"Pay attention to what you are doing Liz, for you set an example for others who are close to you and love you."
I thanked her.
And she hung up.
And now I have something to write about.
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
So this morning I thought to myself "I really need to update the blog, but nothing exciting has really happened...
I could write about Austin, how fun the trip was...
I could write about IV's banana love affair and how MJ has taught him to hold it himself now but he can't quite peel it yet..."
Hmmmm...
And then my work phone rang.
"Good moring Evia, this is Liz" I answered.
"Liz, my name is Lela Barnett. I am a local minister and I wanted to share a verse with you this morning that I think you might need to hear."
(people, I can't make this sh*t up, seriously)
I continued to listen.
"The verse is from first Timothy, chapter four, verses fifteen and sixteen; be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."
She went on.
"Pay attention to what you are doing Liz, for you set an example for others who are close to you and love you."
I thanked her.
And she hung up.
And now I have something to write about.
Friday, September 18, 2009
TEXAS...FIGHT?
Short and sweet: I'm off to Longhorn land.
This apparently has something to do with "compromise" and "house divided" mumbo jumbo.
We will see.
I'm wearing a grey sparkle tank top.
That's fair, right?
xoxo
Liz, Class of '00
- WHOOP!
This apparently has something to do with "compromise" and "house divided" mumbo jumbo.
We will see.
I'm wearing a grey sparkle tank top.
That's fair, right?
xoxo
Liz, Class of '00
- WHOOP!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
ONE YEAR LATER...
On my run on the Seawall last night, there were several messages scrawled on the sidewalk..
"Galveston is back better than ever!"
"Galveston: Saved by God's Mercy!"
"We celebrated our wedding anniversary at the Flagship!" (umm....)
And it hit me: with the hustle and bustle of the weekend and Paws Gala, I didn't even stop to realize and reflect on where I was a year ago.
One year ago, Hurricane Ike hit Galveston.
One year ago I was:
1. In Dallas with a 4 month old colicky, gassy baby who cried and refused a pacifier.
2. Watched as an enormous swirl of red and yellow doppler pummeled my Island.
3. Heard reports from friends and family about the Ball House: no water, some water, fence down, muddy floors, roof still there, lots of debris.
4. Listened as my parents painfully informed me that their business, their livelihood and their friends were all the same thing: GONE.
5. Received text messages from neighbors and friends: "house is gone. Going to Beaumont to start over." - "Can see mud on your floors - your neighbor is fine." - "your grandma has a pay per minute cell phone - do not call her" (thanks, Big R)
I wondered, as many did, what I would return home to. Would it be my home? I was remarkably unconcerned about my personal possessions and the house; she has withstood so many storms, she would weather well. Furniture, appliances...those were just things. I had my child with me and we were both healthy and safe (except when I decided to eat huevos rancheros at the Cafe, then IV's butt was NOT safe).
And now, one year later, I could not be prouder of my home. Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - has pitched in.
Picked up.
Contributed.
Held out a hand.
Given a dollar.
Given a million dollars.
Built a trailer park.
Given an opinion on the new housing complexes.
Cried when our trees were cut down.
Went out and planted a new one.
This town has a grit, a resiliency that cannot be found anywhere else. We persevere, we hold strong and fast. We look up to those who came before us, the business owners who rebuild against the advice of others, the families who spend their own money to erect a new pier, a new house, a new life.
The other night, my friend Le Dogg said to someone "we live here because we love it here - not because it's easy, not because it's cheap, not because it makes sense. We do it because we WANT to be here."
I couldn't have said it better.
It has become brutally apparent to me that not everyone feels this way about Galveston; it's either in your blood or it's not. You can't force Galveston into someone's heart. We may not have a vast array of places to eat breakfast. We may be FAR behind the times with our recycling practices. We may be a very "old school," bureaucratic town, and that needs to change.
But my request of you is to BE THAT CHANGE. Galveston is Galveston because people before us made a difference. They put their life, love and sweat equity into this town and made a change.
I honestly don't know if I can leave this town.
I have made a promise to someone that I would consider it.
Everything I just wrote makes me think I can't.
"Galveston is back better than ever!"
"Galveston: Saved by God's Mercy!"
"We celebrated our wedding anniversary at the Flagship!" (umm....)
And it hit me: with the hustle and bustle of the weekend and Paws Gala, I didn't even stop to realize and reflect on where I was a year ago.
One year ago, Hurricane Ike hit Galveston.
One year ago I was:
1. In Dallas with a 4 month old colicky, gassy baby who cried and refused a pacifier.
2. Watched as an enormous swirl of red and yellow doppler pummeled my Island.
3. Heard reports from friends and family about the Ball House: no water, some water, fence down, muddy floors, roof still there, lots of debris.
4. Listened as my parents painfully informed me that their business, their livelihood and their friends were all the same thing: GONE.
5. Received text messages from neighbors and friends: "house is gone. Going to Beaumont to start over." - "Can see mud on your floors - your neighbor is fine." - "your grandma has a pay per minute cell phone - do not call her" (thanks, Big R)
I wondered, as many did, what I would return home to. Would it be my home? I was remarkably unconcerned about my personal possessions and the house; she has withstood so many storms, she would weather well. Furniture, appliances...those were just things. I had my child with me and we were both healthy and safe (except when I decided to eat huevos rancheros at the Cafe, then IV's butt was NOT safe).
And now, one year later, I could not be prouder of my home. Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - has pitched in.
Picked up.
Contributed.
Held out a hand.
Given a dollar.
Given a million dollars.
Built a trailer park.
Given an opinion on the new housing complexes.
Cried when our trees were cut down.
Went out and planted a new one.
This town has a grit, a resiliency that cannot be found anywhere else. We persevere, we hold strong and fast. We look up to those who came before us, the business owners who rebuild against the advice of others, the families who spend their own money to erect a new pier, a new house, a new life.
The other night, my friend Le Dogg said to someone "we live here because we love it here - not because it's easy, not because it's cheap, not because it makes sense. We do it because we WANT to be here."
I couldn't have said it better.
It has become brutally apparent to me that not everyone feels this way about Galveston; it's either in your blood or it's not. You can't force Galveston into someone's heart. We may not have a vast array of places to eat breakfast. We may be FAR behind the times with our recycling practices. We may be a very "old school," bureaucratic town, and that needs to change.
But my request of you is to BE THAT CHANGE. Galveston is Galveston because people before us made a difference. They put their life, love and sweat equity into this town and made a change.
I honestly don't know if I can leave this town.
I have made a promise to someone that I would consider it.
Everything I just wrote makes me think I can't.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
THEY DON'T HAVE MORE FUN
Last night Mama attended her Junior League General Meeting, officially themed "LEAGUE-ally Blonde" (another fantastic meeting from Arrangements Chair, Hayley Hardcastle).
While I was away, MJ tried to get IV in the spirit.
IV claims it's official: blondes DO NOT have more fun!
While I was away, MJ tried to get IV in the spirit.
IV claims it's official: blondes DO NOT have more fun!
Monday, September 14, 2009
COMING...TO A DOGGIE DOOR NEAR YOU
MJ, IV and I went across the pond last week to have dinner with my parents.
They have a doggie door.
The rest is history:
They have a doggie door.
The rest is history:
Friday, September 11, 2009
PLEASE (HEART) 1007 BALL
The house showed yesterday and has another showing scheduled for today - IV, MJB and I are crossing every finger and toe (that's 60 in total!) that someone (hearts) the Ball House as much as we do.
It's funny - if I were a millionaire or a general contractor, I would never consider giving up the Ball House. It's a constant work in progress...little things here and there to be tended to, loved on, improved. All houses are like that, but especially old houses.
It has the best bones of any house I've known...I know where every wooden plank in the floor squeaks...I know which shutters will swing closed in a windy thunderstorm. I adore its brand new industrial strength kitchen, the roomy island and the sparkly granite countertops. I love my backyard, my front yard, my gas lamps.
But...it just doesn't fit me anymore, if it ever did. The house yearns for more people, bigger family, more attention than I can give it. Furniture to fill every room. Someone to plant tons and tons of annuals and tend to the weeding and mulching.
So many people ask me "what are you going to do when it sells?"
My answer is this: I am not making plans until the ink is dry on the contract. Then I will start to consider what is best for me and IV.
Definitely something smaller.
Definitely something cozy.
Definitely something we can love, learn and grow in.
A small part of me is sad because I will say goodbye to the room I brought IV home to for the first time. I will leave behind the place where he took his first steps and helped me water the yard and ate oatmeal.
But there is somewhere else for us - just waiting for us to (heart) it.
Go, Ball House, GO!
xoxo
Liz and IV
It's funny - if I were a millionaire or a general contractor, I would never consider giving up the Ball House. It's a constant work in progress...little things here and there to be tended to, loved on, improved. All houses are like that, but especially old houses.
It has the best bones of any house I've known...I know where every wooden plank in the floor squeaks...I know which shutters will swing closed in a windy thunderstorm. I adore its brand new industrial strength kitchen, the roomy island and the sparkly granite countertops. I love my backyard, my front yard, my gas lamps.
But...it just doesn't fit me anymore, if it ever did. The house yearns for more people, bigger family, more attention than I can give it. Furniture to fill every room. Someone to plant tons and tons of annuals and tend to the weeding and mulching.
So many people ask me "what are you going to do when it sells?"
My answer is this: I am not making plans until the ink is dry on the contract. Then I will start to consider what is best for me and IV.
Definitely something smaller.
Definitely something cozy.
Definitely something we can love, learn and grow in.
A small part of me is sad because I will say goodbye to the room I brought IV home to for the first time. I will leave behind the place where he took his first steps and helped me water the yard and ate oatmeal.
But there is somewhere else for us - just waiting for us to (heart) it.
Go, Ball House, GO!
xoxo
Liz and IV
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
400 WITH A BULLET
This is post number 400.
And no better way to celebrate than with further proof that IV will eat just about everything.
Including zesty Irish Spring soap:
Nice molar marks!
And no better way to celebrate than with further proof that IV will eat just about everything.
Including zesty Irish Spring soap:
Nice molar marks!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
NOW TAKING YOUR REQUESTS
So, over Saltwater salads and a few glasses of wine last night, it was determined that I need a radio show.
SERIOUSLY.
Maybe I've been watching too much Khloe Kardashian and dreaming about my face on a Range Rover vehicle wrap but - Abbey and Erin agree. I need a radio show.
I tried to get Elise to have a radio show with me a few months back - I think we'd make a really great team and, boy howdy, do we never shut the hell up. But Elise got scared when I asked the KGBC rep at the local Home & Garden show about air time.
"So, my friend and I want to have our own radio show," I explained.
"How much does that cost?"
"Well, what is the format of your show" the rep asked.
My reponse: "Well, we really haven't gotten that far yet. Can we have one? Please?"
Am I that conceited to think that what I generally have to say every day might be of interest to radio listeners?
Yes, I am.
Sorry.
Plus, I could rhinestone and personalize a microphone that says "LIZ" on it and, well, let's just say that ALONE makes me want to have a radio show.
We also determined that we should have a reality show about finding Abbey a husband. This show would involve multiple friends, their specialties and various challenges. Each candidate is ranked from Level One to Ten, if they pass a challenge or not.
Physical fitness? Le Dogg, coming right up. Social skills? Liz, all the way. Cooking skills? Onion can test JLGC recipes on him.
As we wrap up our convo about my impending radio debut and the reality show, the restaurant manager, a young guy we know, approaches our table. I inquire as to how his night is going.
He proceeds to tell me that he has had a "strange day."
"Well, maybe we'll see you guys out later, you can tell us about it" I reply.
"It's my ex-girlfriend...she's in town and I told her she could stay with me, separate bedroom of course, but it's really got me messed up...." and he launches into this saga of ridiculousness that I won't bore you with here.
And on cue, Abbey whispers to me "that sh*t won't make it past Level One."
SERIOUSLY.
Maybe I've been watching too much Khloe Kardashian and dreaming about my face on a Range Rover vehicle wrap but - Abbey and Erin agree. I need a radio show.
I tried to get Elise to have a radio show with me a few months back - I think we'd make a really great team and, boy howdy, do we never shut the hell up. But Elise got scared when I asked the KGBC rep at the local Home & Garden show about air time.
"So, my friend and I want to have our own radio show," I explained.
"How much does that cost?"
"Well, what is the format of your show" the rep asked.
My reponse: "Well, we really haven't gotten that far yet. Can we have one? Please?"
Am I that conceited to think that what I generally have to say every day might be of interest to radio listeners?
Yes, I am.
Sorry.
Plus, I could rhinestone and personalize a microphone that says "LIZ" on it and, well, let's just say that ALONE makes me want to have a radio show.
We also determined that we should have a reality show about finding Abbey a husband. This show would involve multiple friends, their specialties and various challenges. Each candidate is ranked from Level One to Ten, if they pass a challenge or not.
Physical fitness? Le Dogg, coming right up. Social skills? Liz, all the way. Cooking skills? Onion can test JLGC recipes on him.
As we wrap up our convo about my impending radio debut and the reality show, the restaurant manager, a young guy we know, approaches our table. I inquire as to how his night is going.
He proceeds to tell me that he has had a "strange day."
"Well, maybe we'll see you guys out later, you can tell us about it" I reply.
"It's my ex-girlfriend...she's in town and I told her she could stay with me, separate bedroom of course, but it's really got me messed up...." and he launches into this saga of ridiculousness that I won't bore you with here.
And on cue, Abbey whispers to me "that sh*t won't make it past Level One."
Friday, September 4, 2009
GIG EM
There is NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING, that screams "FALL IS HERE!" like COLLEGE FOOTBALL!
And now that I am deeply involved with one of the most rabid collegiate football fans ever (read: the MJB), it's ON!
ON like:
- Game day shirts - thanks Mabes for the sequin hand-sewn Aggie tank top!
- Ordering Aggie and Longhorn flags for Thanksgiving flying
-Lots of yummy beers and chips (snaps to my running schedule for keeping the LBS off)
- Smack talking to no end (try living a "house divided" in Texas - whew!)
- Introducing IV to the greater skills of game day and tailgating!
We want to attend as many games as we can this season and want so badly to bring IV to his first game - be it maroon or burnt orange!
I don't think we can actually sit through the game (toddler attention span = 0.6 seconds) but MJB and I have high hopes that we can tailgate and enjoy the camaradie of the games with IV along for the ride!
I will always remember my first Aggie football games as a freshman - with my girls, Ginger and Katie, dates with Corps guys, kissing at Midnight Yell, stepping off on the Quad and following the band in...twelfth man towels...riding the bus to campus, hot, sweaty but ever-so-cute in our Aggie t-shirts and flip flops...in later years, cooking with family and watching the Cav jocks ride in on their horses, shiny and polished, pulling the canon behind them. The electricity in the air...the collective yells growing and growing until.....GIG EM AGGIES! KICKOFF!
My beloved Aggies kick off the season at Kyle Field against New Mexico State University this weekend - cheers to all the Freshman on the third deck, experiencing Kyle Field for the very first time.
May the maroon seep into your blood and stay there for life!
Gig 'Em!
Liz - Class of '00! WHOOP!
And now that I am deeply involved with one of the most rabid collegiate football fans ever (read: the MJB), it's ON!
ON like:
- Game day shirts - thanks Mabes for the sequin hand-sewn Aggie tank top!
- Ordering Aggie and Longhorn flags for Thanksgiving flying
-Lots of yummy beers and chips (snaps to my running schedule for keeping the LBS off)
- Smack talking to no end (try living a "house divided" in Texas - whew!)
- Introducing IV to the greater skills of game day and tailgating!
We want to attend as many games as we can this season and want so badly to bring IV to his first game - be it maroon or burnt orange!
I don't think we can actually sit through the game (toddler attention span = 0.6 seconds) but MJB and I have high hopes that we can tailgate and enjoy the camaradie of the games with IV along for the ride!
I will always remember my first Aggie football games as a freshman - with my girls, Ginger and Katie, dates with Corps guys, kissing at Midnight Yell, stepping off on the Quad and following the band in...twelfth man towels...riding the bus to campus, hot, sweaty but ever-so-cute in our Aggie t-shirts and flip flops...in later years, cooking with family and watching the Cav jocks ride in on their horses, shiny and polished, pulling the canon behind them. The electricity in the air...the collective yells growing and growing until.....GIG EM AGGIES! KICKOFF!
My beloved Aggies kick off the season at Kyle Field against New Mexico State University this weekend - cheers to all the Freshman on the third deck, experiencing Kyle Field for the very first time.
May the maroon seep into your blood and stay there for life!
Gig 'Em!
Liz - Class of '00! WHOOP!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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