Don't hate. Life happens. This past weekend we were in ftw for the AMAZING Taylor/McGolden wedding (SO MUCH FUN). Then we flew to PA on Sunday.... and I got lazy yesterday.... So you are getting your #MCM a day late. Again, get over it.
This week's MCM :: Cheap airlines and hidden fees.
This is a good one. So the coach found some REALLY cheap tickets for our flight home from DFW to Philly. Thought we were getting a great deal. It was with an airlines that neither of us had ever heard of - it shall remain nameless... but it starts with an S and ends with a pirit. Anyway, when we got to DFW, we found out the price for checking a bag was nothing short of retarded. AND your bag had to weigh under 40, not 50. AND you could only carry one personal item with you on the plane. AND the cost of any extra personal items with $50. ANNNNNDDD you had to pay for everything on the actual flight... including a cup of water. It was a little less than ideal.
Essentially, we ended up paying way more for the flight than what we would have it we had just booked through one of the more popular airlines.... or just drove to PA.
But our fun didn't end there. Now, I realize this next part is NOT the fault of our not-so-beloved "cheap" airlines... but still... it adds to the story. About 10 minutes before landing, the captain came over the loud speaker saying we were going to have to stay in the air an additional 20 minutes because the weather was so bad in Philly and most of the runways were flooded. Super. Awesome. NOT. Did I mention that HATE HATE HATE flying? I mean I froggin' HATE it. I have the WORST luck with airports. I'm talking red-headed step-child bad luck. Last year on the way home from NAILE, the coach and I had two sperate flights. Mine was supposed to leave five minutes before his. Well, my flight got delayed 12 FROGGIN' HOURS and he made it home before I could even find an earlier flight out of louisville. And that's not even one of my really bad stories.... Anyway. Once we got on the ground, we then had to wait for a gate to open... again because the flooding was so bad that only a few gates were in operating condition. We literally "drove" the plane through water. Like ponding water, flooded. I digress. That took another 30/40 minutes. Here comes the really super part --- one of the stuartist came over the speaker and said our luggage claim would not be in a typical area, because the airport was experiencing power outages. She said there would be someone directing us to where we could pick up our bags. Well.. That ended up meaning walking out of the airport and back in through the departure check-in desk area. WHICH WAS COMPLETELY PITCH BLACK. Like no lights.... nothing.... and it was nearing 9 PM outside... during a storm. So.... Picturing the scene from a slasher movie? Yeah, I was too. It was froggin' scary. In order to get our bags, we all waited around until they were hand taken to the front check-in desks. From there, the check-in, cranky, "I need a stiff drink" wenches used a flashlight to one-by-one call out the names on each bag and wait for the owner to come up with proper identification to claim it. It was special. Needless to say, security was almost called on numerous REALLY pissed off ladies and gents... this Yankee not included (my mother should be proud). I mean, I don't blame the flashlight ladies... it wasn't their fault the lights went out. But I also totally understand where the guy who threatened to "call TSA on all their ignorant a$$es" was coming from. It was kind of a high stess situation. Oooooh yeah, one big pile of brother-love in the Philadelphia airport, lemme tell ya.
Oh, and once we had our bags, we still had to direct ourselves around a PITCH BLACK airport with our over-40-pound bags to the rental car area... You want to talk about creepy, I'll give you creepy. Yuck.
Yeah, it was great. Did I mention I hate flying? I hate it. And stupid fees and charges from cheap-o, crappy airlines.
But I sure do love PA.. more on that later. That is, if I don't get lazy.
I'm walking back to Texas
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
She said 'YES' to the dress!
So, I have the most amazing circle of friends. Like absolutely incredible. I was never what you would call a "girl's girl", but these ladies definitely make me feel like I have sisters. With that said, one of these lovely ladies is getting married :) Okay, so they may not be engaged yet, but they might as well be. The two are completely head-over-heels in love and have been for so many years. They have a date set, and have started the planning process - so even though there isn't a ring quite yet, it's gonna happen. On May 17th, 2014, Josh and Kaitlyn WILL become Mr. and Mrs. Verette. End of story.... or should I say, the beginning of their's.
With all this said, Kait decided to start the hunt for the perfect wedding dress. She asked those of us who lived in/around the bcs area to come along, something that was super fun!! It was amazing seeing my best friend and sister so happy and watching her face light up with each gown. It was awesome. Kaitlyn was such a vision. Such a bridal beauty.
Here are a few snapshots from the day...
After only three dresses, Kaitlyn found the perfect dress. It is #GORJ and watching her reaction to it was incredible. Obviously, I'm not going to post a picture of her in the gown she chose..... but maybe this will tide all y'all over for the next 10 months...
I love my girls, and we all are so so excited for Kait's big day!!!! Even though they may have hated having me play paparazzi yesterday, I think they will someday thank me.... or punch me in the stomach....
With all this said, Kait decided to start the hunt for the perfect wedding dress. She asked those of us who lived in/around the bcs area to come along, something that was super fun!! It was amazing seeing my best friend and sister so happy and watching her face light up with each gown. It was awesome. Kaitlyn was such a vision. Such a bridal beauty.
Here are a few snapshots from the day...
 |
| Kristina and Rebecca searching through gowns |
 |
| Sydney getting in on the action |
After only three dresses, Kaitlyn found the perfect dress. It is #GORJ and watching her reaction to it was incredible. Obviously, I'm not going to post a picture of her in the gown she chose..... but maybe this will tide all y'all over for the next 10 months...
 |
| you didn't actually think I was going to post anything that would have given the gown away, did you? This toes aren't even in a dress she liked.... you nosey little monsters. |
I love my girls, and we all are so so excited for Kait's big day!!!! Even though they may have hated having me play paparazzi yesterday, I think they will someday thank me.... or punch me in the stomach....
Either or, really.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Ohmahgawd moment
Sometimes, I look back on some of my previous posts and just feel humiliated. For a writer, I have the worst grammar, punctuation and spelling ability ever. Yuck!
My apologies.
Even for a blogger, I blow.
Hook-ed on fa-hhhanics work-ed for meh!
Monday, July 22, 2013
#MCM
Well, look at me... doing two blogs on their proper days. How nifty....
Okay, so this edition of #MyCoach'sMoment is a pretty good one, I've got to admit. The coach is getting really pumped about the team coming back into town next month. So with that, his brain is 95% geared towards them. I don't mind. I'm pretty jazzed for them to get here too :) I miss my babies.... I mean.... the team. Their the coach's team, not my friends... yup.... oh the heck with it, their my friends too. Sorry.
#MCM numero.... 4? 3? 5? I dunno. Something :: Expect Unexpected Opportunity.
The coach is currently reading John Wooden's Wooden on Leadership. It's a pretty solid read. One of the points Wooden makes is to 'Encourage Ambition'. Like Wooden, the coach sees the value of ambitious players - or in this case, judgers. They work their tails off and love to win. Two things we like to see in the livestock judging world. These ambitious people are key for successful situations. However, with that Wooden stresses that the overly ambitious must proceed with caution - a point the coach really thought hit home. Wooden quotes....
"Be ready when your opportunity arrives, or it may not arrive again."
Often these type of individuals lack patience or the ability to handle failure. As hard as judgers work, it can suck not to get cards on contest morning. But, you've got to roll with the punches and realize that even sitting on the bench gives you a unique opportunity. Make the most of it. One of the best things that happened in my entire judging career was not getting cards the morning of the American Royal when I was judging at Butler. There isn't a more stressful feeling in this world than watching your team judge and having no idea what they are marking or seeing. It's awful. And it also lit one heck of a fire in my belly. That drive led me to getting cards at Louisville, and led Buco to a "w" that day. So, if you sit, don't get down on yourself. For the love of God, do not get all cranky - selfish little.... ugh, sorry - take that energy and push yourself harder with it.
On the other hand, when you do get cards, make the most of it. You might not get that opportunity again. Be ambitious enough to know that when game day does come for you, your gonna lead your team to victory.
The coach also notes how this mentality can relate to the job market. It's tough for people our age to get the job they've always wanted. The market sucks lately, and a high salaried position is tough to come by. However, no matter what opportunity does come, make the most of it. You never know where something or someone will take you. The coach and I are both extremely lucky in that we both have the careers we wanted when we were little. (I know, corny, but true) We both feel very fortunate for that and thank God every single day. But, we see our friends struggles with finding jobs. It breaks our hearts, but all we can say is keep your chins' up y'all! Never give up, keep trying and keep the faith. Good things come to good people who work hard and remain ambitious!
Things might change with the sudden snap of your fingers. You have to be prepared to roll with the punches and know that no matter what, God's plan for you and for us is a great one!
Hope you enjoyed this week's edition to #MCM. I realize it may not have been as entertaining as last week..... for which my entire body is thankful.. woof.
toodle-loo!!!!
Okay, so this edition of #MyCoach'sMoment is a pretty good one, I've got to admit. The coach is getting really pumped about the team coming back into town next month. So with that, his brain is 95% geared towards them. I don't mind. I'm pretty jazzed for them to get here too :) I miss my babies.... I mean.... the team. Their the coach's team, not my friends... yup.... oh the heck with it, their my friends too. Sorry.
#MCM numero.... 4? 3? 5? I dunno. Something :: Expect Unexpected Opportunity.
The coach is currently reading John Wooden's Wooden on Leadership. It's a pretty solid read. One of the points Wooden makes is to 'Encourage Ambition'. Like Wooden, the coach sees the value of ambitious players - or in this case, judgers. They work their tails off and love to win. Two things we like to see in the livestock judging world. These ambitious people are key for successful situations. However, with that Wooden stresses that the overly ambitious must proceed with caution - a point the coach really thought hit home. Wooden quotes....
"Be ready when your opportunity arrives, or it may not arrive again."
Often these type of individuals lack patience or the ability to handle failure. As hard as judgers work, it can suck not to get cards on contest morning. But, you've got to roll with the punches and realize that even sitting on the bench gives you a unique opportunity. Make the most of it. One of the best things that happened in my entire judging career was not getting cards the morning of the American Royal when I was judging at Butler. There isn't a more stressful feeling in this world than watching your team judge and having no idea what they are marking or seeing. It's awful. And it also lit one heck of a fire in my belly. That drive led me to getting cards at Louisville, and led Buco to a "w" that day. So, if you sit, don't get down on yourself. For the love of God, do not get all cranky - selfish little.... ugh, sorry - take that energy and push yourself harder with it.
On the other hand, when you do get cards, make the most of it. You might not get that opportunity again. Be ambitious enough to know that when game day does come for you, your gonna lead your team to victory.
The coach also notes how this mentality can relate to the job market. It's tough for people our age to get the job they've always wanted. The market sucks lately, and a high salaried position is tough to come by. However, no matter what opportunity does come, make the most of it. You never know where something or someone will take you. The coach and I are both extremely lucky in that we both have the careers we wanted when we were little. (I know, corny, but true) We both feel very fortunate for that and thank God every single day. But, we see our friends struggles with finding jobs. It breaks our hearts, but all we can say is keep your chins' up y'all! Never give up, keep trying and keep the faith. Good things come to good people who work hard and remain ambitious!
Things might change with the sudden snap of your fingers. You have to be prepared to roll with the punches and know that no matter what, God's plan for you and for us is a great one!
Hope you enjoyed this week's edition to #MCM. I realize it may not have been as entertaining as last week..... for which my entire body is thankful.. woof.
toodle-loo!!!!
Saturday, July 20, 2013
HLSR
Time for me to toot my own horn... toot, toot.
As some of you know, I do not consider myself an editor, designer or anything creative. However, Ideal Video Productions - the amazing company I work for - was the broadcast company for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this past March. We videoed and broadcast all open cattle and junior market shows, with the exception of the Steer Show. Houston tested out their ability to broadcast with the steers - and they seriously did such a kick A job. Still, I was able to be in the ring during pre-selection, as well as do the walk to Reliant in order to get some shots to create a highlight video with. Since media access is tight on the floor of Reliant, we weren't able to get the 'slap'... But maybe someday that will be lifted for companies like us and ShowChampions. Like I said, I'm not an editor. I hate editing pictures... because I suck at it... and editing video is probably my least favorite part about my job. I'm not design-minded, so cool stuff doesn't honestly just come to me.....
BUT with all of that said, I have never been prouder of any project in my entire life. When I put together this segment a few months ago, I had chills the entire process. It still gets me a little choked up. Don't you dare laugh. I'm not a designer/editor - like I said - so this is a big deal for me.
Please take a second or two to watch this highlight of the 2013 HLSR Grand Champion Steer selection.
Let it roll through once, for loading purposes. Please don't just watch a few seconds. Watch the whole length.... you won't be sorry. I promise
Let it roll through once, for loading purposes. Please don't just watch a few seconds. Watch the whole length.... you won't be sorry. I promise
Friday, July 19, 2013
Photo Friday
Hey look! I'm actually doing this on a Friday! It's the simple victories in life that mean the most, lemme tell ya. Especially considering my directTV box is currently full of recorded "retro" episodes of The Hills.... It's amazing that I was even able to leave the couch. I heart scripted reality TV.
Oh! And do you like the new blog design? I don't. But it's better than what it was.
Anyway....
This week's photo comes from one of the most talented photographers I have ever worked with. Not only that, but she is also one of my best friends. I really don't know what I would do without the lovely and amazing Stacey Shanks - aka cajun queen - and it gives me so much joy to highlight one of her images this week.
Oh! And do you like the new blog design? I don't. But it's better than what it was.
Anyway....
This week's photo comes from one of the most talented photographers I have ever worked with. Not only that, but she is also one of my best friends. I really don't know what I would do without the lovely and amazing Stacey Shanks - aka cajun queen - and it gives me so much joy to highlight one of her images this week.
Meet Sully Shanks, Stacey's oldest son. He is such a complete angel and has one of the neatest personalities ever. As you can tell, Stacey is wicked talented with the camera, but she is equally as fabulous at being a mom. Sully and his younger brother Rayne are simply awesome. Yes, Stacey and Brandon, I really mean that! I will babysit anytime you want!
I asked Stacey what her favorite shot she took lately was and she sent me this.... Gosh, could it get any more perfect? The innocence and wonder in Sully's eyes makes this picture to die for. I love how Stacey chose B&W for it, too. So perfect. Love, love, love.
You can look at more of Stacey's work by visiting her website, Facebook, or by being lucky enough to call her a pal like I do. Be jealous. Go ahead, I won't be upset :)
Hey, I blogged a Photo Friday... on a Friday.... I'm so impressed with myself.
.... admit it. Y'all are too.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
#MCM, Tuesday Edition
Okay, so I'm a little on behind with the blog. I'm SORRY! Life happens. If y'all didn't like it so much, you wouldn't have even noticed... anyway.... I'm going to hold off on my missed Photo Friday and keep it for this week - because it's worth it. As for #MyCoach'sMoment... I'm a day late. Get over it. This weekend kicked my butt and has me all out of whack. But I'm blogging now. So enjoy.
This week's #mcm is inspired by this past weekend's.... ummm.. happenings...
#MyCoach'sMoment :: Through sickness and in health.
The coach reminded me last night that I had missed the 'normal' monday #mcm. He actually sounded excited when he said he wanted this week's topic to be those five little words. He has his reasons for picking the them... oh yes, that's for sure. But I'm going to steer clear of why. Let's just say, on saturday at the coach's best friend's wedding - which was GORGEOUS - I acted like I was 18 with a fake ID dancing at Harry's like I just got a new mini skirt. I hurt. Still. The coach was not impressed. I doubt I'm going to pick up an alcoholic beverage ever again. Ever. Again.
But back to the main point. When you say the vows on your wedding day, you say them with butterflies in your heart, a knot in a stomach and a tear in your eye. Sometimes, we don't actually think about the words. Seeing as the coach and I have been married now for 199 days (oh yes, I have a day counter), we have caught glimpses of just how valuable those vows really are. And since July seems to be wedding month for us, we get to hear them said by our best friends as well. Sort of a simple reminder of 'Hey, you're hitched, Remember?'! Personally, those five words remind me that no matter how much of a drama queen I can be, the coach is going to be there for me no matter what.... Even when I'm calling dinosaurs for twelve straight hours... he still is going to make sure I'm alright.... and tell me to take a shower when I finally get my act together - thanks boo ;* But no, seriously. You never realize how much those vows mean until you have been married.
Since December 29th, I've cried at every wedding I've attended. I apologize for what I'm about to say - but I don't cry for the couple. I cry because I am reminded of our wedding. Being married really is something beautiful. Being joined to your best friend, soul mate and the love of your life through God for eternity is a feeling unlike any other. You are no longer just one person. You are a couple. No longer do your thoughts only concern yourself, but more each other. It is completely wonderful and such a blessed feeling.
Plus, when I puke he is legally bound by God to clean up after me.
Poor guy.
No matter how angry we are at each other, how completely filthy and sweaty we get working cows, how injured I always end up, or how drained or sick we may feel, he is my husband and I am his wife. We will be there through it all... even if he sells my favorite heifer....(oy vey).... I still will love him. And he still will love me. That's what it's all about. Obstacles will come, but we aren't worried. As long as we never forget those vows we spoke to each other, there is nothing to fear...
Except a drunken coach's wife.
woof.
This week's #mcm is inspired by this past weekend's.... ummm.. happenings...
#MyCoach'sMoment :: Through sickness and in health.
The coach reminded me last night that I had missed the 'normal' monday #mcm. He actually sounded excited when he said he wanted this week's topic to be those five little words. He has his reasons for picking the them... oh yes, that's for sure. But I'm going to steer clear of why. Let's just say, on saturday at the coach's best friend's wedding - which was GORGEOUS - I acted like I was 18 with a fake ID dancing at Harry's like I just got a new mini skirt. I hurt. Still. The coach was not impressed. I doubt I'm going to pick up an alcoholic beverage ever again. Ever. Again.
But back to the main point. When you say the vows on your wedding day, you say them with butterflies in your heart, a knot in a stomach and a tear in your eye. Sometimes, we don't actually think about the words. Seeing as the coach and I have been married now for 199 days (oh yes, I have a day counter), we have caught glimpses of just how valuable those vows really are. And since July seems to be wedding month for us, we get to hear them said by our best friends as well. Sort of a simple reminder of 'Hey, you're hitched, Remember?'! Personally, those five words remind me that no matter how much of a drama queen I can be, the coach is going to be there for me no matter what.... Even when I'm calling dinosaurs for twelve straight hours... he still is going to make sure I'm alright.... and tell me to take a shower when I finally get my act together - thanks boo ;* But no, seriously. You never realize how much those vows mean until you have been married.
Since December 29th, I've cried at every wedding I've attended. I apologize for what I'm about to say - but I don't cry for the couple. I cry because I am reminded of our wedding. Being married really is something beautiful. Being joined to your best friend, soul mate and the love of your life through God for eternity is a feeling unlike any other. You are no longer just one person. You are a couple. No longer do your thoughts only concern yourself, but more each other. It is completely wonderful and such a blessed feeling.
Plus, when I puke he is legally bound by God to clean up after me.
Poor guy.
No matter how angry we are at each other, how completely filthy and sweaty we get working cows, how injured I always end up, or how drained or sick we may feel, he is my husband and I am his wife. We will be there through it all... even if he sells my favorite heifer....(oy vey).... I still will love him. And he still will love me. That's what it's all about. Obstacles will come, but we aren't worried. As long as we never forget those vows we spoke to each other, there is nothing to fear...
Except a drunken coach's wife.
woof.
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