The Office was extremely painful to watch tonight. I think I only really laughed once but I can't remember what it was about. Even so, I'm very happy it's back on!
Today was my second Thursday to work all day in the LPM office. I got all wrapped up in calling vets, emailing various city agencies such as dead-animal-pick-up (awful!), and posting on web sites about my parents' lost dog. I got less done today than I normally do at home, but it's all good because we got our girl back! Yeah! I have to confess that it wasn't my faith-filled prayers that brought that dog home. I kept consoling Mom by saying that God had taken her up in a whirlwind like Elijah. She sat at my desk today and bawled. It was so sad and I felt terrible for her. I'm thankful that she has her bff Sunny back.
We went to eat fajitas at Alicia's Mexican restaurant tonight. I can't believe it, but their fajitas are just as good as Pappasito's. I still like Pappasito's salsa better though. I could drink it from a Nalgene bottle. Wouldn't it be awesome if I took that to the gym with me? I would make such a great impression on my neighbors.
I really want to go on a vacation. We are deciding between a beach trip to Florida and a long weekend in San Antonio - Sea World, Schlitterbahn, a good meal at the Grist Mill in Gruene, and a stay the Hill Country Hyatt. We shall see! Of course, I'm a beach girl, but I think that San Antonio would be easier, cheaper, and more fun for Curtis and Jackson. Maybe I'll just book it tonight.
I heard DFW had really scary storms last night. I wonder if the 80-year-old oak tree that hung over my old house lost any limbs. Every time it stormed at night I got afraid of it crashing in over Jackson's room. I brought him into our room a number of times for that reason.
Several people have asked about my magical red door in our old house. Here it is:
It stayed in Irving. Hopefully it will brighten the day of people who walk or drive by until the house meets its demise. The door brought me lots of joy while I had it, even though it was only for a few months. I felt our house really met its full potential while we had it. I would have brought the door with me, but it was too small. Now I have a sweet black door with a built in wreath hanger and a transom overhead. I still have a front porch to house my two rocking chairs and now I'm blessed to have a flag pole base in case I want to display my patriotism. And I think I do want to display my patriotism this summer. I might even get an A&M flag for special occasions, like when we beat the heck outta t.u. next fall.
This whole week I've looked like someone beat me with an ugly stick.
I really miss having a cat, but not enough to get a new one.
I miss seeing the Statue of Liberty guys in front of the Liberty Income Tax store in Irving. They wear Lady Liberty costumes and dance their hearts out on the side of Beltline Road. All day long. To no music. Or maybe they've got ipods under their crowns. Perhaps they'd come to Houston and dance in front of my house and under my flags for July 4th. Ooh, get excited. Talk about good impressions!
68 comments:
Amanda just drive over to Baytown on Garth Rd. and you will have Uncle Sam and The Statue of Liberty wave at you. Some days it just makes me smile.
I miss our Abilene Liberty Tax People. They were so fun. I often wanted to stop my car and run to them requesting an autograph. Alright maybe I didn't think of it then but I should have.
I have also felt the woes of the ugly stick this week.
The Elijah reference was brilliant. Except now I'm thinking Sunny is more like Moses returning after 40 days?? :)
I love your old red door! It makes me happy.
I pray that whatever vacation you decide upon that it will be the most fun vacation with a 2 year old ever!
We forgot The Office!! Ahh! I'm reading aloud to our family "The Magician's Nephew." Narnia was just created--the stars and Aslan sang together--my first time to read it. So very beautiful...
We are so thankful that Sunny days came sweeping the clouds away for your family :)
Love,
holly
Okay, I hate to be a downer, but we were quite disappointed with Schlitterbahn last year. To pay as much as we did (we have 4 kids) and it was filthy, flies everywhere on the food that was not cleaned up, a zillion crickets in the wading pools and disgusting bathrooms. Just want to warn you of a possible bad experience. So did that ruin it or what???:)
Do you know how much those dancing liberty guys crack me up! I actually thought about you when I woke up at 3:30 this morning to this crazy howling wind. And this morning when i found our patio table flipped upside down and the umbrella floating in our pool. Hmm...good times!
This post cracks me up! Randomness! I'm so jealous you lived in old Irving - I grew up here and those homes have so much character. Your previous post about Kroger made me laugh out loud, too. My husband and I always say there is something off about it...Minyards is our neighborhood store, but heaven help me, Wal-Mart is where I shop most. I can't beat the savings! And finally, the Liberty Tax people on Beltline - give it up! My husband and I point them out to our three year old everytime we drive by! :) Wish I had known you when you were here, but oh how I know it must feel good to be near family again! I can't wait to see what God has in store for LPM with your hubby and possible "manly" studies - I was encouraged to ask my hubby if he would do one of your mom's after seeing that your guy did one. :) I've always thought men should do them! Okay, enough of my rambling! Sorry!
YAY about our Sunny. We are thinking of heading to Destin this month. I have not had a vacation in five years. I am worn out. We have had so many medical expenses that it has not been possible.
That is even why I am up now...I just had a tooth extracted today and that was so not fun. I cant stand going to the dentist!
You are such a blessing to so many sweet Amanda!
about,"The Office" after receiving text message reminders from my college age children "remember a new Office is on tonight" my husband and I settled in for some mindless t.v. but, you're right it was a bit painful.....(is it to sappy to admit that I watch to follow the Pam & Jim saga) after the show my husband said "don't know if I need to watch every week" and remembering your Mom's quote from Melissa.....I think I may have "felt dumber now" after that.
Sometimes the rambly posts are the best! I've enjoyed reading your random thoughts. :-)
I agree about Pappasito's salsa. Maybe your neighbor's will realize just how cool you really are if you take it to the gym!
Oh, and we are going to San Antonio this summer, too - the whole family. Sea World is going to be a blast with the kids! (My cousin's son is one month older than Jackson.)
Peace out!
1. There was only one part of The Office that I laughed out loud too as well. And now I can't remember what it was.
2. I love that there was no warning about the transition to the ugly stick comment. Talk about surprising.
3. Um, I don't have a #3. I just like to leave things in groups of three. :)
Amanda,
Sorry you are having a down week...keep praying. It sounds like the moving blues. Our family loves Alicia's too! But it is a little loud on Friday nights. You would think noise wouldn't bother a family of 6. I'm with you girl, beach all the way! But my teen boys would want San Antonio.
Blessings
Dana
Amanda,
Sorry you are having a down week...keep praying. It sounds like the moving blues. Our family loves Alicia's too! But it is a little loud on Friday nights. You would think noise wouldn't bother a family of 6. I'm with you girl, beach all the way! But my teen boys would want San Antonio.
Blessings
Dana
Amanda,
Sorry you are having a down week...keep praying. It sounds like the moving blues. Our family loves Alicia's too! But it is a little loud on Friday nights. You would think noise wouldn't bother a family of 6. I'm with you girl, beach all the way! But my teen boys would want San Antonio.
Blessings
Dana
We just returned from San Antonio and I have to say it was the best trip with the kids- they loved it. We only went to Sea World, but it was just fabulous- the girls loved it and so did we. Of course my favorite was driving into the hill country and shopping in Fredericksburg, but it was all good! We are going back next spring break, in fact.
I have to recommend going to Bush Gardens in Tampa,FL. There are many good beaches and hotels to stay at right outside Tampa. There is also a water park next door to Bush Gardens called Adventure Island. B.G. is great because it has so much for children, dolphin show, bird show, beautiful gardens, festive atmoshphere, awesome rides, etc. There's lots os shade. A REALLY nice hotel is The Don Cesar on St. Pete Beach. It's expensive but nice. The Trade Winds on Treasure Island is great for kids and cheaper but still nice rooms - granite counters in kitchen, etc. On Memorial Day they have fireworks on beach. Nice.
I like it when you ramble on and on.
Sister....where is this mexi place you speak of? You DO realize I'm nine months pregnant right? Are you holding out on good fajitas that are possible right around the corner from me???? The horror!
I kid...but I do need to know where the excellent fajitas are!
E
We went to the Grist Mill in Gruene for the first time last summer. We have a conference we do at Mo Ranch and we try and catch something new on the way home.(We live in Louisiana) It was a sweet visit. They were have all kinds of activities and I brought home some Raspberry tea from one of the little restaurants down the road from the grist mill.
My parents do the conference with us so Mom and I loved walking through all of the little shops. No, the guys did not go-they had found some manly stuff to do elsewhere. ;)
It was a perfect girls day.
I am so glad your Mom got her friend back. Our pets sure become part of the family.
Amanda,
You can find the Liberty Lady and Uncle Sam right here in our very own Houston. Right on HWY 6 at Keith Harrow!!! Good luck with choosing the vacation, I think we may take a trip to the river to get away!! Glad to hear your mom has found her friend again!
I vote for the Florida trip!! You should try the Fort Myers Beach, Naples area. OK, I confess I am very much a beach girl too.... Key West is nice...
Hyatt Hill Country is the best!! This will be our 7th year in a row. It's the best vacation for little one's and thier parents, hands down!! It's nice to be able to stay there and not do all the other stuff. Maybe Sea World for one day. Last year was the best because we just enjoyed all of the hotel ammenities. Have fun!!I lost my coupon, but you can save $500 on 5 nights by paying with your AMEX!! Call and find out about it!
Amanda, Rejoicing with you that Sunny is home. What tales of adventure she has stored up in her wagging tail.
As to Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty...drive down to Gessner and Hammerly (closer than Baytown) to the Kroger Shopping Center. One of them is usually out on the curb on the weekends.
Welcome Home!
Salsa in a Nalgene bottle...brillant idea! I'm going to be all over that one!
Oh, I love your red door so much!!! I have a red kitchen in this house - painted it the same color as my red dining room in my previous house. Love it. Will post pictures when there are no dishes in the sink....ok, that might not ever happen....
I live in a neighborhood called Liberty Park. It actually has a replica Statue of Liberty at the entrance. Real flame and everything. It's awesome and my kids LOVE it. She doesn't dance, though. I'll bet that's quite a sight.
I enjoy reading your blog - have a great Friday - the wonderful DFW storms will be here this afternoon. They're even talking about letting kids out of school early....wow.
Amanda,
I didn't leave a comment for your mom because all I could think of was when I was a teen and our family dog, Star, disappeared and Dad was sure she went off to die.
Now as an adult, I think maybe she did die and they just wanted to skip all the drama. If that is what they were thinking, it failed as my sister stood at the door every evening and cried.
I am glad all is well with Sunny though!
Jen
I'm so glad you have Sunny back!!
We're taking a family vacation in San Antonio (when I go to the LPL conference) I'm looking forward to taking the kids to Sea World!
ummm...I won't comment about the ugly stick, don't think it's possible!
The Liberty Tax woman is alive and well at the corner of College and Rolling Hills in my town. She definitely has an ipod and a good attitude. It would take some serious cash to get me to dance all day on the corner by Hardee's.
Cornell--ever heard of it? I lost the bet that Andy would say Cornell last night for the umpteenth time. Oh well, at least it's back on:)
Jan
WE HAVE A LIBERTY INCOME TAX TOO!!! Complete with the poor people who have to stand outside dressed as Lady Liberty and wave at all the cars. And all this time I thought it was a strange, southern fluke. Thank you for enlightening my day, although I can't say I would miss them, were we to move...
What is Schlitterbahn? And what happened to your cat? I have a cat - I love him - even with his semi-crossed eyes. :) My husband is not a cat fan but us girls are happy.
Again - so happy that Sunny is home.
The vision of Sunny being taken up like Elijah will stay with me and bring me great joy all day.
And not to sway you one way or the other, but Jackson would ADORE Sea World. There is nowhere on earth that Caroline would rather be.
So, what's up with The Office? I'm hoping it was an off night but it was kind of like this mindless Seinfelt starring Michael. Hoping it gets back to its former brilliance.
Gruene is a great stop. I think this weekend is the Gospel Brunch: that is a LOT of fun if you feel like backtracking on Sunday.
Hill Country Hyatt is fun. Hope it's warm enough to tube their lazy river.
I agree with the Schlitterbahn warning: it's not what it used to be BUT at least it is not too crowded this time of year...if you don't mind cool/cold water.
Maybe you should just TOOOOB the river...but that is hard with a two year old.
The San Antonio zoo is wonderful this time of year.
Aren't we all just full of randomness? My friends and I call it "mundane news" but it's the most fun to read. I love the mundane wanderings of life..."Do not forget the day of small things." These are the signs of Abundant Life!
From Austin
That made me laugh out loud! I feel you...especially regarding The Office! Although I too am always one more for the beach, I say San Antonio. I just got back...river is low but the Grissmill was as good as ever and it was a beautiful, good time. In fact, if you go, there is a waitor named Dwayne, who is quite a talker and quite in need of Jesus. You and Kurt could work some more of your Jesus magic! :) And he is a fisherman so he hooked us up with some good spots. And we rented a house for so cheap, right off the comal tube shoot, bc it's off season still. Anyways, thanks for the laugh and I so rejoice with yall over Sunny!!!!!! :)
Hee Hee.....we have a lady liberty in our town. She cracks me up. Right after she started shaking it - I realized that she was also the salvation army bell ringer at Hobby Lobby during Christmas. And I told her (more than once) that she was the most enthusiastic bell ringer I had ever seen. She danced and shook pom poms even there. It's amazing that she has made a career out of dancing outside of busineses. Yesterday a new chick-fil-a opened near my house (not good for a dieting girl) and there was a cow outside dancing around. I couldn't help but wonder if it was her????
P.S. There is NO WAY you have ever been hit by an ugly stick. And if so - would someone please hit me with the same stick?
I'm so glad The Office is back on! You're right... it wasn't the best episode. But I'm still overjoyed that it's finally on.
I vote beach trip (but I live here, so I'm biased.) :) BUT we took our first family vacation last year at a really quaint little place wih nice condos at Sanibel Inn. There's a website, so google it and check it out! It was SO FUN. It's beautiful there.
I grew up going to Crescent Beach in St. Augustine, which I also HIGHLY reccommend. Oldest city in the US- beautiful architecture and great sugar-sand beach. :) Do I sound like a travel agent yet?
Katie
Ps- Sanibel Inn is on Sanibel Island, near Ft. Lauderdale. To be more specific. Link is http://sanibelcollection.com/sanibel_inn/?src=ppc_google_sanibelinn
And we liked it because it wasn't too resort-y or crowded, but smaller and more quaint, less fancy. Great sand bars and beaches- great beach for little ones because there are usually no waves to knock them over and BAHAMA water when the weather's good!
How could the ugly stick be at your house and mine at the same time? :)
R
Amanda,
As I was leaving Kroger yesterday I saw the Statue of Liberty guy dancing away and I just smiled at him. He had his ipod! At first I didn't know what he was doing. It was my first time to see the Statue of Liberty guy.
I am a beach girl myself and Destin, Florida is my favorite place to go and we are planning to go this Summer. No matter where you decide to go I hope you have a great time!
I am so glad Sunny is back. I had a quick idea run through my head that she may have been taken to a vets office. I am sure Sunny is happy to be back with her best friend!
Have a wonderful weekend.
We have those Liberty Tax dancers in our town too...I see them every afternoon on my way home from work. Talk about dancin' fools!!
seriously. the office? so disappointing. but the expectation throughout our house could only lead to disappointment. take out brought home. waited until munchins were asleep. it was all a little too much. but they're back on. and that's all that really matters.
and thanks to you, i will be drinking pappasito's salsa this evening for dinner.
What happened to Bill? I am huge cat lover, I have two "boys". Did you have to leave him behind? Just the thought of that breaks my heart.
Tell me it isn't so, Amanda.
Bill ran away last summer and we were never able to find him. I think he living it up with an elderly couple somewhere that doesn't have toddlers.
Hi Amanda,
After hearing that Sunny came home, I just couldn't help but think of this song! I also posted it on the LPM blog so listen and have fun!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FbYeKQf7TKc&feature=related
Ashley McWhorter
The Gristmill is just the best. I don't think it gets better than sitting on the Guadulupe, eating something fried and being with people you love.
I am so happy Sunny came home.
When are we going to see some pics of the new house? I love that red door!! I would LOVE to have one on our house but the church people might get nervous(we live in the parsonage right next to the church!) Have a great weekend!
Amanda in SC
Completely understand all this "stuff" going on. Just know that we are praying for ya. :)
YAY for Sunny coming home!!! Wonder whats going through his mind?
And...I think SA would be a fabulous trip for the family!
Have a great weekend.
Hugs~
Fran
what happened to prada/billy??? I must have missed that blog...please do tell!
RIP red door. We barely knew thee.
So does the beach have sunshine, by the way? Because I'm starting to think the sun has been taken up in the whirlwind.
(So glad Beanie is back. It's horrible to watch a close family member suffer, isn't it?)
YAY! I'm glad you like the Triple Dipper too (it was sort of hard to confess to that one!).
AND, don't worry, I look like I've been beat with the ugly stick ever since Chloe arrived. It's like I plan to get all ready and then I just think... "Nah.. I'll just put my hair up and wear my velor sweatsuit (again). I bet no one will notice that I've worn it three days in a row or the spit-up running down the shoulder."
Ugly stick, I will get revenge. Someday.
Oh Amanda, this made me laugh. Because it's such a random, mommy-like post. A little of this and a little of that, some of this, and some of that.
I totally have lots of days like that with thoughts jumping here there and everywhere.
I especially liked the cat thoughts. Mine is sitting here purring a little hello and telling you to go for it. Cause there's nothing like a purry cat on your lap when you're trying to have your quiet time.
Happy weekend--see this comment was here, there, and every where too!
Joanne
P.S. My past two houses have had a red front door. This one is white, but maybe it needs to be red... Hmmm...
Love the door! But I bet Beth is happier to have you living behind the black door in Houston!!
I love Alicia's! I took my parents there last Friday night. I will say it was a bit loud, and crowded. But, it is ALWAYS FABULOUS, none the less. I agree with the Fajita thing. They do match Pappasitos in my book. Yum.
Feeling you on the ugly stick. Ugh.
Oh girl! I am sooooooooo glad that y'all found Sunny!
We didn't have an internet connection here at home for the last 2 days, so I made my hubs check out the LPM blog at his work to see if she had been found.
The news made my day!
Oh, by the way, I vote beach.
I was so glad to hear that Sunny was found!
Last summer our little 16 yr. old dog had to be put to sleep. It was the saddest day. We got her as a pupppy when my daughter was 8 yrs. old. Because she was so scared of dogs, we thought this was the way to help her with her fear. Molly became her dog.
It was so sad the night before we were going to take her to the vet, my daughter lay on the floor by her and cried and that made me cry.
These pets are like family after that many years together.
Anyway....so glad Sunny is home and your mom is happy!
surely you know there's a Chuys coming over here?
It's really a toss up for us because we love Pappasitos, Chuy's and Lupe for different reasons.
But Alicia's is pretty dern good..tastes more authentic.
(We sit around and talk about Mexican food all the time...we have no life, and my butt's bigger because of it)
i totally forgot the Office was on last night! i hope it recorded.
Talk about a nerve-wracking experience...4:00 a.m. Thursday morning me and my furry friends headed for the tub to take cover. Whew---very scary! We did sustain some damage but not as much as our neighbors.
By the way---I love reading your posts---rarely comment but enjoy your writings.
You can find Liberty Tax dancers at the corner of 34th and 290 too!
Amanda! I loved that you blogged about the Liberty Tax people. I always wonder how much they pay those people to get all gussied up and dance in those costumes. I live in Oklahoma and happen to work around the corner from a Liberty branch...I always feel like I should get them a drink or sneak them a chair...Thanks for the laugh!
Kristen
P.S. And if you go to San Antonio, then if you don't already know, there is a Texas style African Safari there and it's so fun! We just went there too in our visit to the river. THe animals come up to your car and your can feed them out of your hand. I think Jackson would love it! But watch out for the Ostriches...they get crazy! :) Hope you get a R&R and fun vaca soon! :) One more thing, have you ever read the book, Bruchko?
Mmm, the Grist Mill. Haven't been there since high school choir trips.
thanks for reminding me about the liberty tax guys.
Love that door! so glad to get to know you better through your blog. praying for a wonderful time in ya'll new season of life back in Houston!
Amanda, just wanted you to know about Florida vacations...at least on the panhandle (the beaches are great at Panama City if you like things to do like mini-golf and go-carts and all that...and they're great along the Beaches of South Walton if you want something more laid-back with nice accommodations and real sand dunes still standing): either way, the rates drop tremendously after labor day, and the noisy drunken tourists all leave for the most part, and the weather is still beautiful! So, if you can hold out, wait for September! My family always goes to Panama City Beach (we stay at Regency Towers) in September, and my kids (now 5 and 2) have had a ball every year. So have I! Just a suggestion, especially if you're wanting to save some $$$.
I miss seeing your red door! I might have to drive by it today and reminisce. But then I'd have to have Sunni come slap me to snap me out of it.
Next time I see the Statue of Libery guys, I'll give them a wave from you.
i'll go with you to san antonio in a snap!!!! The doplhin show always makes me cry..and the sea lion detective show makes me laugh and laugh...you, Curtis and Jackson will have a great vacation there!!!!!
We're avid followers of The Office too. We like to Tivo them and rewatch them sometimes.
About your vacation....we LOVE Schlitterbahn! It would definitely get my kids' vote. We were just there last summer and the kids started asking as soon as we left if we're going to come back the next year. There's a nice Hampton Inn on the highway that heads up toward New Braunfels too. We always go rafting while we're there too.
I'm sure you already know this, but there's an AWESOME authentic mexican restaurant there called Mi Tierra's. You have to go! They serenaded our table....kids got a big kick out of it. In fact, I think that restaurant alone would make the trip worth it.
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