I have been a horrible blogger.  I am disappointed in myself.  I want to sit down to write everyday, but everyday there is more and more to talk about and then the task just becomes too daunting.  However, I’m back with the promise of updating more regularly.  Hmm…that sounds familiar.

August definitely had a theme: martial arts! Why would this be any different than any other month? Because this month had some more unique and even new things happened to me.

TKD:

I tested for my senior red belt in TKD.  I was super nervous about this 1) because I didn’t feel like I had my form committed to muscle memory and 2) it was my first time to break a board for testing.  Both reasons had me feeling quite nauseous the morning of testing.  I hate testing when I don’t feel like I’ve done my material enough time to “just do it”, and instead have to be actively thinking about every movement.   I managed to do my form with no mistakes though not my best by far…still I’ll take it. And I was very relieved to break both boards on the first try (side kick and elbow smash). I am now one testing away from being a black belt…whoa!! 😀

Pictures from testing:

warming up

front stance

waiting to go

kick

spar

punch

more spar

judge

me vs. jake

guard up

sparring

kick is coming!

elbow smash

side kick

Video from testing:

Just a few days later I tested for sword at the TKD school. I wasn’t really nervous for this testing because I had been doing my material for months. I definitely felt ready to rock this test. And I feel like I did.  I was more nervous because this was the first sword testing that the school had.  Everyone was white belts.  I wasn’t sure what the testing would comprise of or who would be there to watch. It wasn’t bad at all, and quite a few tested making us yellow belts! Even though sword is probably the lowest on my priority list as far as martial arts go, I do really enjoy this class.  Where else do you get to spar with weapons?? It’s awesome!

Pictures from sword testing:

waiting to start

Videos from sword testing:

There was also the cycle belt ceremony which isn’t much to write about.  It was just like it always is…though the next one will be very special for me getting my black belt and all.  🙂

Pictures from the belt ceremony:

new yellow belt

the new yellow belts

removing old belt

me

senior red

new red/senior red

standing

me again

group photo

group photo 2

flying belts

disperse

the goods

Kung Fu:

I’m a 3rd brown belt! The road to get here was not an easy one. Yes, it’s hard at times to stay dedicated to coming to classes…life often can get in the way, and the material is piling up…getting harder to remember and learn. But the thing that has made this journey so difficult has been the testings, particularly my fear of performing in front of people. This test was super hard because it was supposed to be my first pre-test as well as my first testing in front of the grandmaster.  I say supposed because that is not what happened.  What did happen? Life! Yep, life…it got in the way.  The trip to Mississippi didn’t help.  Being away from classes always makes it difficult especially when you’re still learning material, and that’s where I was. When the time came to pre-test the truth was that I just wasn’t ready.  I didn’t have my material committed to muscle memory. I was definitely still having to actively think about the next move. I came to pre-test and even signed up, but then got cold feet and scratched my name off. So upset, I had to leave and missed Bryan’s pre-test (2nd black sash). But I did not miss Bryan’s actual test which was amazing! The thing that scares me about testing is how many people are there to watch. I know that people want to come out and support the students, but it’s too many people!! It’s scary!! Anyway, I got a couple of extra weeks and an lucky break when Master Joe tested me during class. It was lucky because I didn’t even know I was testing. Trust me – I know this is a rare and special occurrence, and I appreciate it!

Between regular testing and my testing, there was the Round Rock tournament. There wasn’t a whole lot of people there, but I enjoyed the exposure. By making myself compete, I am getting better about my performing anxiety. I took first in open hand forms for my division and didn’t place in tai chi. I’m ok with not placing because it was all levels. I felt like a winner for competing with all of them. I sparred with all of the brown belts and didn’t place, but I won one and lost one. The best thing about sparring was that I really did have fun doing it. The best thing about the tournament was making some new friends and see Grandmaster Sin do meteor fist.

The day after the tournament was Meteor Fist seminar taught by Grandmaster Sin. It was my first seminar with him, and it was amazingly awesome! The form is crazy! It was fun to learn! Another highlight of that weekend was getting to go out to eat with the grandmaster. It was a great experience to just sit and talk to him on various subjects.

Pictures from testing/tournament: album

Videos from testing/tournament:

In closing, I’ll be a better blogger! 🙂

Why has it been so long since I posted? That’s easy…there’s been:

• going to Mississippi
• TKD kids camp
• 3 martial arts testings
• Bryan’s parents coming to visit
• wedding planning

Speaking of wedding planning….we’re engaged!!! I feel terrible for not writing this blog sooner, but I have been so busy and have had so much on my plate that many things that I love to do have gone by the wayside.  I’ve also had a couple of breakdowns due to piling so much on my plate.  Thankfully, my best friend and now fiance has stepped up to be my rock as well as help me take care of some of the things that I have taken on.

Will You Marry Me?

I’m engaged.  I have finally gotten used to the idea though it took a couple of weeks.  Nothing helps the idea set it like wedding planning.  I hit the ground running with this, and it has consumed so many, many hours since.  Ok, I know you all are just curious to hear how it happened, and I am happy to tell you.  It makes me smile every time I tell the story or just think of that night.

It happened on the day that we drove 10.5 hours to Philadelphia, MS for the fair.  We had stopped on the way at my grandparent’s house and visited them for a few hours.  Needless to say, I was exhausted by the time we drove up to my other grandparent’s house (the house where I grew up).  I had often imagined which day Bryan would pick to ask me this question.  I always imagined holidays or anniversaries, but I never, never imagined that it would be a day like this.  It was still light outside when we arrived, but the sun was quickly setting.  We settled in and unpacked the car.  Bryan had mentioned that he wanted to go out and see the stars.  Where I grow up is a perfect place to view the stars.  There are no lights at night, and you can literally see the band that makes the Milky Way.  There are millions of stars, and it is breathtaking!  We’re looking at the stars over Christmas break when we received the phone call that the cats had gotten out of our backyard.  Thankfully this story has a much happier ending! 🙂

After the sun set and the stars came out, Bryan and I went outside to view them.  I still had no idea what was about to take place.  It’s such a romantic spot.  We were talking about our feelings about each other, and then he asked me.  I, of course as you know by now, said yes.  I cried.  It was amazing and perfect.  Bryan really had thought it out.  He did it at a place I love and is very dear to my heart, and he did it at a time that allowed me to share it with my family immediately.  That was thoughtful, and that’s just one of the many reasons that I love him.  I’ve been wedding planning ever since.  I’ll update you in a later blog about where I stand on that, but it has consumed so much of my time, attention, and energy.

The Fair

The Fair was great especially the weekend.  All of my family was there, and we had an amazing time on opening night.  I met some new and very cool people, and most importantly Bryan got to experience his first Neshoba County Fair.  The Fair proved to be too much for us, and we ended up leaving what we thought was one day early.  However, after arriving back in Austin and awaking the next day, we discovered we had in fact left 2 days early.  We still don’t know how that happened.  Still, we had a great time, and Bryan was able to experience a lot of Fair traditions.  I really hope that next year is a possibility too, but most likely we won’t get to do since we have a honeymoon planned for next summer.  🙂  We were not Paleo on this trip; it was just too hard.  But that was the first time we cheated on a non-cheat day since we started.  I still think we did good considering.  Bryan even cooked for the cabin making his delicious pasta sauce for spaghetti.  While we were there we managed to:

• attend a rodeo
• eat so much delicious food
• gamble at card games
• play games at the midway
• watch the horse races
• go to the flea market
• walk and walk and walk
• see all of the cabins
• talk to old friends and make new ones
• spend a lot of time with family
• walk around in the wet, muddy MS red dirt
• play games on the back porch
• visit other cabins/campers
• attend EC day at the fair
• hear lots of music

We did more than just the Fair while in Mississippi.  We spent a day with my grandparents who live just outside of Jackson.  We went to church with them and then ate at our favorite restaurant in Jackson.  We spent time with Granny at the house, and we ate lunch with an old co-worker of mine.  We did some shopping on the square, and we visited my great aunt at her house.  We even caught a movie with my step mother.  We were busy, busy people, and we were exhausted when we finally make it home.

Pictures from our engagement/the Fair:

album

Videos from the Fair:

We are leaving for Mississippi tomorrow!  I am too excited!  Well, except for the fact that there is a ton to do before we can roll out in 2 days!  It wouldn’t be so stressful if I didn’t have to work all day at the TKD kids camp which by the way is wearing me out this week.  For example, today we spent over 2 hours at the pool…ugh!  But back to the trip…the reason we’re going is none other than the Neshoba County Fair.  You might remember me mentioning this grand event last year in my blog though instead of being happy to go like this year, I complained about how I was missing it.  I’ve waited an entire year, and this time I’m not missing it!  I’ve only missed it maybe twice in my entire life; as a Neshoba County native, this fair is a HUGE deal.  It’s also my favorite reason I was glad to be born in the small town of Philadelphia, MS.  Other than the fair, I could have done much better than this tiny town of boring, but for this one reason alone, I’m glad to call it home.  Weird, I know, but it’s the truth.  And what I’m most excited about this year is exposing Bryan to this amazing event for the first time.  I’m also super happy to see family and friends and also enjoy a cheat day filled with the foods I grew up with and maybe some alcohol.  🙂  It’s going to be killer to stick to Paleo for the entire week.  There is just way too many yummies around to ignore, but I’m going to try my best.  I’m not making any promises though.  🙂

In other news, I’m having little mini anxiety attacks about August.  I have to test for sword and TKD maybe on the same day but definitely in the same week.  I know my TKD test is on August 8.  There’s not much time and I don’t feel solid on my form, and I’m so terrified I won’t break my boards which would result in a no change.  I also have to test for Kung Fu – my first time in front of the grandmaster.  And just days after testing we’ll be having the Kung Fu tournament which means competing.  Ugh…I get so worked up about all of this being put on the spot stuff.  I have gotten so much better….loads better.  I’m really proud of the improvement that I’ve made, but I’m still not at the point where I can just go out there and do what needs to be done and feel confident while I’m doing it.  My biggest hope is that while I’m preforming or competing that my brain doesn’t turn on.  As soon as I start to think about what I’m doing then I start making mistakes or freaking out.  The best I can hope for is to just let muscle memory do its thing.  I’ll keep working at not letting my nerves get the best of me.  It’s definitely a work in progress, and it may take years to achieve.  I’m willing to keep working at it however, and that’s really all that matters.

When I’m not having anxiety attacks about martial arts then I’m having them about finding a teaching position.  I’m going to be sending out resumes to schools, but I’ve already applied to all the school districts.  It’s mostly a waiting game now.  🙁

I’ve made my TKD school a fan page on Facebook.  Please visit it and become a fan!  I’ve had fun working on it.  I’ve gotten to learn a part about Facebook I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to explore yet – fan pages.  Well, I’m a fan of a lot of things, but I had never created a fan page.  I’m happy to be making such a big contribution to the school.  It’s always good for business to reach out to the younger folks where they hang out – the Internet.  🙂

Pictures take on my Mac:

me

me again

😛

Cat Videos: (It’s not our cat for once but one of the cats that we were cat sitting)

[cincopa 10492289]

Artists I think you should know:

Dina Goldstein – Photographer:

Dina is an awesome photographer with a unique outlook on life.  You have got to check out her princess series which shows the down side to all of the fairy tale princesses that you grew up reading about.

Scott Campbell – Tattoo Artist/Artist:

Not only are this guys tattoos wicked, his art is also pretty amazing.  I especially like his laser cut dollar bill series.

Ashley Lebedev – Photographer:

Her work is simply beautiful.  She has a style that incorporates a decaying look with old charm.  It’s very interesting.  Her photographs can keep you entranced for minutes.

I was posting very regularly and then life got in the way…again.  Oh well…at least let me get you caught up on life in my world, and I’ll try to do better this week at least.  🙂

July 4 – Independence Day

What a day this was!  Bryan, Jason, and I attended a Tea Party at the capital which was amazing….amazingly hot and amazingly inspiring.  I avoid talking politics on my blog for many reasons.  And my mentioning the Tea Party is just to let you know what a great experience it was and how much I enjoyed myself.  We all sweated…a lot…but it was worth it.  It was amazing to be surrounded by like minded people.  Anyone who knows me knows that my views are not of the majority especially in this city.  After the rally we all went out for lunch and then down to Town Lake to try to watch the fireworks, but I had all I could take of the heat.  We retreated to Cedar Park to watch the fireworks – not as good but fun nonetheless.

July 4 album

TKD Kids Camp

I’ve been volunteering at the TaeKwonDo school to help out with their kids camp.  I helped out last week, but am off this week since the school is closed for a national tournament.  However, I’ll be back next week and for the rest of the summer.  I’m not getting paid, but I am getting experience that I can add to my resume as well as having fun.  We don’t have too many kids so it’s not as bad as say subbing.  The kids are well behaved and really sweet.  Most of them are younger (6-9) with a couple of older ones.  Everyday we go on field trips…movies, the zoo, swimming, etc.  I’m enjoying my time there.  It’s good to be doing something again even if it’s not getting me paid.  🙂

Pictures from when we went to the zoo:  Zoo Album

Bryan’s Broken Back

On Monday Bryan did a workout that had us in the ER around midnight.  It seems that he over did it and hours later it caused his back muscles to tighten and start to spasm.  He was in incredible pain and received several shots.  You can read his account on his blog. He was in pain for most of week, but is definitely doing better the last couple of days.  He is in Boston at the moment on business.  🙁  I took him to the airport today.  He should be back on Thursday or Friday.  I have my fingers crossed for Thursday.  We are cat sitting for a friend, and I’m home alone with 6 cats!

Bryan at the hospital

Martial Arts/Exercise

I finally got my red belt TKD form down – probably because of all the classes I’ve been helping with at the kids camp.  I missed most of my classes last week due to staying home with Bryan.  I felt bad leaving him alone when it was so difficult for him to move.  I need to attend every class I can so I can get ready for both TKD and Kung Fu testing in August.

A couple of weeks ago Bryan and I went trail running with Cindy.  This was so awesome – definitely the most fun I’ve ever had running.  Bryan even enjoyed himself…so much that we went and bought new shoes specifically for trail running.  😀

after the run

Check out the fan page that the TKD school started on Facebook: North Austin TKD and JJ’s Fanpage

Actually, I started upon my instructor’s request.  I’m also the one keeping it updated.  We also have twitter: http://twitter.com/NATKDandJJ

Purchases

Aside from new running shoes, I got also made another awesome purchase this week…wait for it, wait for it…a new Macbook Pro!  Yep, I finally got the computer I’ve been longing for for a long time.  Actually, Bryan got it for me.  And what’s so awesome is that I got a teacher’s discount that saved me $100 off the computer as well as a free iPod Touch and printer.  By the way, I have a never opened iPod Touch for sell.  🙂  This is such an awesome computer.  I love, love, love it!!!!!!

Big Brothers Big Sisters

I recently volunteered to big a big sister for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.  I had my interview last week and went to a volunteer training session on Saturday.  I haven’t been assigned a little yet, but I can’t wait till I am.  I’m really excited about this opportunity.  I’ll keep you updated when this happens.

Songs I’m digging at the moment:

You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift

I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas

Not much happened last week that would be worth writing about.  Let me think back….no, it was a pretty uneventful week.  It was filled with the normal things that we do…martial arts, studying, Interneting….the usual.

Saturday was a fun day though.  It was cheat day!  Bryan and I started it off right by waking up super early before our classes to eat pancakes at Kerby Lane.  They weren’t as good as I remembered, and we both had to attempt class with bricks in our stomachs.  One thing I’m learning from cheat days is which foods used to taste good and which one still do.  The sushi we had for dinner, for example, was still quite delicious.  The cookies we grabbed on the way home from dinner were equally good.  🙂

After we finished up all of our Saturday martial arts classes, Bryan and I headed to the Bob Bolluck museum to brush up on our Texas History.  Actually, I’ve never been before so it was quite interesting and entertaining.  After touring the museum, we walked over to the IMAX to catch Transformers II (finally!).  The movie was awesome!  Some people had said it wasn’t all that, but I do not concur.  The movie was just exactly what I wanted…explosions!  Oh, and transforming alien robots.  What makes a better movie combination?  🙂

Pictures from museum: album

Sunday I took Bryan’s grandmother to watch The Odd Couple in Georgetown.  That was fun too.  We met up with all of the Red Hat ladies, and had lots of laughs.  The play was very entertaining, and I thought the acting was quite good.  I had never been to Georgetown to watch any of the plays there, but I’d be willing to trek back there.  I miss going to plays.  I used to go see them regularly back in the day.

This week will be more of the same…nothing unusual.  I did finish my resume last night, thanks to a lot of help from Bryan.  I do need to write one bad-ass cover letter today, and I should be able to apply for jobs left and right.  And that’s just what I intend to do.  :)  If anyone who might actually read this little blog of mine knows of any education job openings…please, speak up!

I’ve finally seen all of my Kung Fu green belt material so the goal till testing is get it down.  I also finally learned the whole red belt form for TKD, but I still need to get it down to looking awesome for testing on August 8.  So stressful!  I’m still in the early, early stages of learning anything from my blue sash material – one step at a time.

If we rest, we rust!

Songs I’m digging at the moment:

The Climb – Miley Cyrus

Yesterday was Father’s Day.  Ok, this wasn’t news to anyone, but it got me thinking.  I actually saw my dad yesterday which wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t had to take my little brother to Shreveport.

To put it in a nut shell:  my dad sucks.  He’s a terrible father (not the worst but still a long way from wearing a #1 DAD t-shirt) and an even worse husband.  I really don’t know why why my step-mother has stayed with him for so long.  I think I would have ditched him if he weren’t my father.  He’s had some good moments at being a dad, and while they were brief and intermittent, I enjoyed them.  I like my dad when he’s being silly and trying to make me laugh…or I did like it, when I was growing up.  The thing about my dad is that he stopped maturing at about the age of 18 most likely due to the drugs he consumed before then.  Everything he does resembles what an 18 year-old boy would do.  Everything!  Money, relationships, reactions, attitude….everything.  He has no concept of consequences.  He can’t seem to grasp the fact that the actions that he chooses will have consequences and most of the time they effect everyone living under his roof including my 12 year-old brother.

My dad spends money like it grows on trees, and what’s worse is he barely works.  It’s my step-mother who works her ass off to pay the bills (most of which my dad caused).  He expects a hand-out from anyone in the family.  He even asked me where his gift was yesterday, and totally blew off the card that was presented to him.  Truthfully, I didn’t get him a gift because I don’t want to spend money on his no good ass. I guess I could have saved my money that I spent on the card.  It would have also saved me time since it’s hard to find a card that wouldn’t be telling a lie.  He’s not a great father nor anyone I admire so there’s no use in giving a card that says he is.  It would just be a lie, and not even a well told one.

My father has pretty much had a lifelong problem with drugs often cleaning up only to go back eventually; we never know how long eventually will be.  However, lately he’s been off street drugs for quite a while.  But….he’s become dependent on some prescription drugs.  And lately he’s been having a lot of stomach and sleeping issues which I think we all agree are caused by the pills.  He’s not responsible with his consumption of them, and he seems to be taking more trips to the hospital every month.  And to be quite frank, I don’t even care anymore.  I know that sounds super harsh, but I just can’t make myself feel sorry for him.  I can’t pity someone who dug their own hole and still blames everyone else for their problems especially when they keep making the same mistake over and over.  I can’t even stand hearing him talk.  It’s all about him, him, him.  He is blind to the fact that his family is suffering.  He thinks he’s the victim, but he’s also the offender.  I wish he would just grow up already, but that will never happen.

I keep hoping that he’ll get a wake-up call, but he’s already been to jail for drug related crimes.  That sobered him up for quite awhile, but then came eventually…and here we are.  He was in jail when my little brother was born.  What more of a wake-up call can one need?  I very rarely talk with my little brother because I can’t stand to deal with my dad.  When I saw him yesterday he made my skin crawl.  He didn’t notice and kept right on telling me about all of the problems he was having.  I want to argue to his logic, but it’s useless.  He’s hot-tempered and delusional.

I usually stray from writing hurtful things about anyone I know on here, but at worst he might actually read it and learn something.  However, I doubt that he will ever see it, and that’s okay too.  It’s just meant as a way of venting for me in my space.

Well, the house is back to normal…whatever that is.  We took Kade to Shreveport to give him back to my parents.  I really don’t think he was ready to go home.  I guess that means he had a great week.  I would hope so; he pretty much got to do whatever he wanted.  And I’m glad I was able to give that to him.  Every kid needs at least one week of that during their summer vacation.

Thursday:

Bryan and I went and tried a yoga class.  I think we came out with the same experience.  It was fun, but I can’t imagine paying and doing that every week.  It wasn’t that fun.  It was hard, but in a good way.  I will probably go back this Thursday since this is the last week of our free classes.  I don’t know if Bryan will join me.

Friday:

We didn’t do much during the day.  I did take Kade swimming for a little bit, but found the water too cold for me.  I should have waited till late afternoon when the sun is blistering hot.  At 10 PM we all went to see Year One at the Alamo.  Kade was really impressed with this theater as well as their $5 milk shakes.  He really enjoyed this, and he let us know many, many times.  I guess the Philadelphia theater won’t be as much fun now that he’s seen how Austin does movies.  :)  We got in bed way too late considering we both have class at 9 AM on Saturdays.

Saturday:

I had to drive Bryan to his black belt class in time to get back to the TKD academy for my class.  Sometimes having one car is not so fun, but this is a rare occurrence.  Kade came with me to my class, and he even participated.  It’s no surprise that he fell in love with it too.  He’s definitely hooked on martial arts now, and who could blame him?  Martial arts is the best thing!  I don’t know where I’d be without it…getting fatter for sure!  🙂

After class we ran back and got Bryan, and then we all went to the Inner Space Cavern which was super cool.  I had never been before so it was a treat for me as well. Here is the pictures from that:  Inner Space Album.

Sunday:

All we did was drive.  We were out of the house for almost 12 hours.  Thank goodness Bryan put some movies on his phone.  This is what distracted me when I wasn’t driving.  The drive wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated – maybe it was the cave kiss I received at the Inner Space Cavern.  Whatever it was, I’m thankful that the weather was beautiful and the trip was uneventful.

Back to studying……

Kade’s trip to Austin Album (as promised)

Recent pictures of the cats:

Bryan/Sweet Pea

Today as been a pretty laid back day with not too much going on.  I did go to a Red Hats Society luncheon today with Nanny which was enjoyable like always.  Bryan, his grandfather, and my little brother all went out to eat while Nanny and I were going the girls thing.  After eating, I had to run to the mall to pick up a portrait that Bryan and I had made.  It looks pretty nice.  Let me know if you’d like to know more about free stuff from Sears.  The only way to make it free though is to walk away with only what they give you.  This time is was one 8×10 collage.  The session and the one portrait was completely free!  I know it sounds dumb, but I really love free stuff.  They even gave me a coupon for some more free stuff, and I have every intention of claiming it.  😀

Other than lunch and a quick trip to the mall, I have been at the house enjoying a day with no sun exposure.  I think that me and the sun have seen enough of each other this week.

I went to TKD last night, and my brother came and watched me do my stuff.  I was happy to let him see what my life is like this week as well as expose him to Austin culture and sites.  He still seems to be having a great time thankfully.  Tonight Bryan and I are going to yoga at the TKD school because…wait for it…we got 2 weeks free.  We’ll try it out and see if it’s something we could get into though I don’t think I could.  It was actually Bryan who brought up the idea of trying yoga, and I just found us a free trial.   I’m good at finding all things free.  I hope that never changes.

Tomorrow night we are going to see Year One at the Alamo – 10 PM @ Lake Creek if you want to come along.

Recent Pictures of the Cats:

Bella sleeping....shhh

close up!

only sweet when he's sleeping 😉

lazy OC

It has been awesome to be back at home.  I’ve been wanting to post all of the videos and pictures from my Mississippi trip, but I’ve been super busy showing my little brother around Austin.  It’s been pretty cool having him.  This will be the only vacation he gets to take this summer so I’m happy I could give that to him.

Monday:

We had to take Bella to the vet for scratching her neck till it bled.  She’s okay…no need to worry.  I took Kade to get a haircut, buy some shirts, and then to look at skateboards at some shop here in Cedar Park.  That night he went with us and watched us take Kung Fu/Tai Chi.

Tuesday:

Kade and I ventured out into the blistering Texas sun to see downtown.  He was pretty excited about this and seemed to enjoy himself quite a bit.  We went to the capital and the walked down 6th street stopping at every shop for the A/C and a some souvenirs for him.  It was so, so hot but also very enjoyable.  He told me he was not missing home at all.  I guess he’s pleased with his stay here so far.  It probably helps that he can play all of our video games when we’re at the house.  And I haven’t been making him go to bed or get up at any certain time.  :)  I’m a cool big sister.

We also went down to South Congress, and I got him some Amy’s Ice Cream.  I mean…can you really come to Austin and not get any??  No, I think not.  I need to spoil him some.  We went to a couple of places there and then headed home.  On the way home, we stopped back at the skateboard shop so he could purchase some board that it supposed to be totally awesome.  And I bought him a helmet because well, I can’t be the fun sister all the time.  🙂

That night we went back to Kung Fu and Tai Chi.  Kade even came a took a Tai Chi class.  I was pretty impressed with his willingness to get out there.  He loved watching the black belt class especially sparring.  😉

Wednesday (today):

I took Kade to see Mt. Bonnell and Toy Joy.  What better mix is there than that?  We had a good but short day out in the sun….perfect!  I think all of us are going swimming as soon as Bryan is done working for the day.

In Other News:

Ugh…you should’ve seen the mess that the cats left us while we were gone.  Gross!  No, on second thought no one should have had to see or smell the gifts that were left for us throughout the house.  I didn’t need to see it!  But I did.  I think it was O.C., and it appears he had some stomach issues though I’m not ruling out the fact that it might have been a statement of disapproval for being left home alone for the week.  Point noted…thanks.  The house smelled so bad.  Ewwww!  Sweet Pea had accidentally ran through one pile and then tracked it through the house…great.  I wasn’t expecting this mess nor did I know that Kade would be returning home with us which meant that after a 9 hour drive, I still had a whole house to clean.  I had to wash sheets, vacuum, sweep, mop, dust, and bathe Sweet Pea.  What a day.

Pictures from the trip:

Mississippi Album

Videos from the trip:

Riley and Darby 1

Riley and Darby 2

Riley and Fish

Feeding Frenzy

Riley’s Watermelon

Bryan Singing

I’ll wait to post pics of Kade’s trip until he’s gone so that I can just post one big album.

I got my Bryan back today!!! It is so good to have him back in the flesh. Currently I’m sitting in Cracker Barrel with my family. Here’s a picture of Mr. Hungry with not one but two salads.