Sunday, January 29, 2017

Go for the Gold!

I took this photo one morning as my pups and I were headed out for our walk. I felt it was a message from God (or one of my many guardian angels) that I was going to have a beautiful day and I did. I don't know why it made me so happy.

I'm delighted to report that I went to ALL of my exercise classes this week for the very first time. Yoga was on Monday and Wednesday at 9 and then I went to the Y at 11:30 on both days for my cardio/strength training class. Then again to the Y on Friday. Oh, how I wish yoga was on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but it's not and I was so proud of myself that I plan to do it again this week. We work on balance in both classes (since we're old) and mine is terrible. I haven't actually seen any improvement over the last two years, but I keep trying. I was never able to roller skate as a child and even now can barely stand on one leg long enough to put my underpants on, but I'm not giving up.

We played Bunko at the clubhouse last night and it was a hoot! There were 10 or 12 tables and since you move after every game, I met a lot of new people. And now I can't wait till we do it again.

Kay and Kori came over this afternoon and Kay and I discussed out trip to New York next month. We  (meaning I) have a lot of coats at the ready depending on the weather, not to mention gloves and hats. Living in Arkansas and walking the dogs in very cold temps has prepared me. But I won't lie... I'm nervous about what the weather holds for us.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Amelia Lyons Birthday

This amazing woman is my aunt and I couldn't be more fortunate. Even though she raised twelve beautiful children, she has so many more who love her dearly, including me and my three brothers. I stopped by to see her yesterday afternoon to wish her a happy birthday. She hadn't been feeling well, so was staying in this weekend just to be sure she's over it. We had a nice visit and I'm determined to go see her more often.

After leaving her house, I met Manuel, Allison, and Roy for lunch and we stayed for two hours. We met at a little wine bar in the Heights which was delightful (although I felt the wine was way too pricey). But the food was great... we shared four appetizers and a dessert, my kind of meal! It had been at least 15 years since we've all been together, so there was a lot of catching up to do.

Earlier in the week, one of my neighbor friends hosted a little dinner for me and my travel buddies to send one off on a month long trip to Singapore. Her daughter and family moved there last summer for three years, so I know her three grandkids are as happy to see her as she is to see them. She emailed us that she got there safely and we'll definitely miss her while she's gone. She's one of my yoga buddies.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Second Week of the New Year

Kay and I went to see La La Land on Thursday and for the most part, I loved it. I wasn't thrilled with the ending, but friends have explained to me how it was actually a vey good end if you think about it. Guess I'm just too shallow to appreciate the realistic end to relationships.

I played Trivia last night, but we kept checking in on the Texans game, not expecting a good outcome, but very hopeful. Sadly, the Patriots stomped us, but at least it wasn't as embarrassing as the last time we played them. So now my allegiance turns to the Cowboys and I paused the game at halftime to walk the dogs, so don't know the outcome yet. It's not looking good, but I'm forever the optimist.

The best part of the week came today when I had lunch with Manuel, my old friend from Chile. I haven't seen him in 15 years, but of course, it was like we'd never been apart. When we first met in 1992 his sons were still living in Chile, but moved here to live with him when they were 12 and 14. They're now 32 and 34 and I've really missed seeing them. Both of them have become very successful... one owns his own recycling business and the other is an architect. Manuel has a lot to be proud of. We're going to get together again next weekend (because he still works as an administrator at Houston Community College) and I'm already looking forward to it. There's just nothing like reconnecting with old friends.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

First week of January

Well, it took some getting used to, but I'm happy to say that only blogging once a week has lifted a little stress off me. I definitely think this will be more fun for me.

Back to tutoring and mentoring at the elementary school was gentle as school didn't start until Wednesday. Fine by me... I really enjoyed my weeks off (but am certainly happy to be back at it).

My travel group of four settled on a resort in the middle of Washington near several wineries. We're going in April so I'll be headed to the east coast in February and the west coast two months later. I'm really looking forward to both trips but am apprehensive about leaving the dogs for a week at a time. I've never done that without having Mary Jane to take care of them, so this will be a test for me. I'm such a wimp!

Went to a football party yesterday to watch the Texans in the first playoff game and it was great! I'm not so hopeful about next week, but at least we're one game closer to the Super Bowl than we were last year at this time. My dream would be to see the Texans and Cowboys at the final game since the Super Bowl is in Houston this year (although it's highly unlikely).

Today Kay and I had lunch at Federal Grill, then Ubered downtown to see The Book of Mormon (since we had bottomless mimosas with our lunch). It's so irreverent and downright nasty that at first I felt guilty about laughing, but it actually had a good message and was pretty hysterical. I'd say it was a great week!


Sunday, January 1, 2017

New Year's Day

This pic was taken last night as we played a game called Speak Out. You had to put this contraption in your mouth and then read a card and tell your partner what was on the card. But of course, it was very difficult to figure out because it was impossible to say any words which involved putting your lips together. I was actually good at guessing, but terrible at saying my phrase. I have to say, it was pretty damned funny, but I'd be just fine if I never played again!

Today was a bit of a disappointment for two reasons. First of all, there was no Rose Bowl parade or college games because of the NFL. That's just wrong. And secondly, neither the Texans nor the Cowboys had to win their games today because they both had already made the playoffs, but both teams lost. The Cowboys were smart and played their 3rd string quarterback, but the Texans foolishly used their starting quarterback who left the game with a concussion at the half. What the hell were they thinking?

One of my friends had three of us over for dinner tonight as we worked on planning our trip in the spring or fall, originally going to Panama. We quickly learned that these time share things book very quickly and missed out. So now we're working on options. I'll tell you next Sunday where we're going. Happy New Year!