The DREADED Blue Screen

Well, it was bound to happen sometime. And considering I'd never really had a problem with my laptop before, I guess I am still getting off lightly. Well 9 days and $200+ later, my computer is back up and running. Darn corrupted operating system! Oh, and yes, everything on my computer was lost. Sniff, sniff. I was able, well Best Buy was able, to back up my pics and itunes onto disc. Now it's just putting my life back on to the laptop...

My First Day at the Spa

Today was my first visit to the spa! Rachael is in town this week visiting from my hometown in California. It was the result of her brilliant suggestion that we found ourselves being pampered at one of Rockwall's finest spas. Lavender aromatherapy, hot rocks, warmed robes, hot towels, relaxing music and a fantastic massage. Ahhhhhhh! All of which was followed with a glass of Pinot Grigio. I can't believe what I've been missing. I'm hooked. I can't wait to go back.

We finished up the afternoon by getting a bite to eat at Le Madeleine's and then went to church and listened to the guest speaker, Jim Caviezel! What an absolutely PERFECT day!

Running at a Snail's Pace

Several months back, my good friend (& co-worker), Melissa, invited me to train with her for the Rock n' Roll Marathon in San Diego, CA this May. I had to pass (excuses, excuses, I know) uncertain if my asthma would permit. I have seen Melissa make tremendous gains in her training and look forward to her updates when we are both at work. So, today, with Melissa's relentless encouragement, I hopped on the treadmill and ran an entire mile!!!!! Now if I can just keep up with actually exercising.. Tomorrow? Yoga!

BTW, Melissa still needs sponsors and every little bit counts.. Click on this link and it will take you to Melissa's blog where you can find a link to sponsor her! The marathon benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! It's a good cause and I know Melissa would appreciate your support as well!

http://melissaflenniken.blogspot.com

Dallas Museum of Art

The Dallas Museum of Art currently has a limited engagement exhibition of King Tut. A bit pricey, but worth it. I tried to use a corporate discount but the cashier told me that it was a holiday. Since when is Saturday during Spring Break a holiday? I was tempted to ask her if she was getting holiday pay, but figured that would get me in trouble. Our luck picked up however, as we scored nearly free parking, a much smaller ticket discount, and they let us in line early! We highly recommend the thirty minute 3-D movie as a precursor to perusing the exhibit!

Here are a few pics from the museum with more King Tut photos to follow. BTW, Sarcophagus is a fun word to say, ask any seven year old. Try it!

Life Lessons from a Pet Rock

Life's lessons can be painful. We spent most of last week anxiously anticipating Friday: Pet Rock Day. Chandler toted his rock collection to school eager to show off his shiny, colorful glazed stones. He was to select one of them to transform into a pet rock. We discussed this transformation was permanent, indelible, in first grader terms "never going to wash off." After minimal contemplation, Ethan Chandler decided to select a new rock, from just beyond the patio for the pet rock project. So Friday morning, prized rock collection and prospective pet rock went off to elementary school. I hadn't really anticipated what would happen next. On the ride home from school that afternoon, I heard a gasp and an "Oh, NO!" wail from the back seat. It seems either two of Chandler's favorite rocks were lost or "borrowed" during their excursion to school. A few days later, backpack searched, classroom desk and cubby scoured, the missing rocks have not been recovered. It's been a difficult lesson for Chandler, that somethings are gone and they never come back. It reminds me of the first time Chandler accidentally let go of his helium balloon, and the ensuing tears as it floated out of sight. As a parent, too, it's a lesson... I couldn't reach into the sky to stop the fleeing balloon and I can't bring back the missing stones either. All I can do is prepare my son that toys taken outside of the house could get lost and most importantly, teach him that material items are not the most important things in life.

What's the Big Deal?

So, courtesy of RedBox (gotta love it), I finally watched The Dark Knight last night for the first time. I was sort of putting it off because I had heard how deranged it was and typically, I find those genre of movies making my stomach churn and dinner wanting to make a rancid reappearance. Surprisingly, I wasn't bothered. I am unconvinced that I am desensitized because Blood Diamond made my blood boil, but I couldn't help but feel that Gotham City is hardly fictional these days. Don't the joker's atrocities mirror our daily news? The only difference is we lack a Batman? Typically, I am not a cynic. I believe our modern day law enforcement is corrupt and inept. (Yes, these are words coming from the daughter of retired law enforcement.) Look at what plagues our headlines today: Obama can't seem to nominate anyone that isn't morally corrupt and the "Tylenol Guy" is gloating over his priors (murder, dismemberment, rape, etc). A free man, with enough capital after being incarcerated for years to own his own business? Why that man is still alive is beyond me. I guess I just need a breath of fresh air these days. So, basically, Dark Knight was fabulous, well scripted, great cinematography, acting, the whole gamut. Too bad there isn't a real Batman to save us.

Half-Blood Prince Countdown

Can't Hardly Wait!
Countdown with me using the widget at the bottom of my blog page!