tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126556142012-02-16T04:13:43.456-06:00gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.comBlogger5541100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-26317559506472781562011-01-18T23:03:00.001-06:002011-01-18T23:03:31.635-06:00

MEET TWERP! She is my Gramma Martha’s dog, and I have the privilege to adopt her and take care of her!  Twerp was SOOOOO important to Gramma, and I made a promise to myself and to Gramma that I will take such good care of her precious “companion” (that is what Gramma called her). We have been having a great time getting to know each other!  It has only been three days since she has been with me

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-53949030212034943072011-01-11T21:09:00.001-06:002011-01-11T21:09:05.188-06:00

Dear Gramma Martha, You have gone to be with the Lord today.  Though I will miss you so much, I know where you are is even more wonderful than the human mind can imagine.  If I did have to imagine, I would picture your body fully healed, and you are hugging your beloved husband, Grampa Frank.  You would be laughing and smiling with my mom, and telling her to fix her hair and put on more lipstick

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-83691914568990608952011-01-10T21:43:00.001-06:002011-01-10T21:43:02.729-06:00

I start my first class at UTD (University of Texas at Dallas, for you non-Texans) tomorrow, 7:00-9:45 PM (whew!) I know it’s kind of nerdy, but I still feel the same way I did EVERY OTHER YEAR OF MY LIFE on the night before the first day of school: antsy, anxious, nervous, excited! This is a new chapter in my life, hopefully it’s a good one!

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-79645920152237073752011-01-08T10:57:00.001-06:002011-01-08T10:57:59.357-06:00

I had been planning to go to the Spring 2011 MBA Orientation at 6;00 on Wednesday up at school, but late Thursday morning, my dad called me unexpectedly and said that Janet had to work late, and would I like to go to the Mavs game that night (they have season tickets). Being the good student I am (hah!) I decided to skip orientation (honestly, I re-read the email, and most of the things they

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-6242943366455755222011-01-04T17:56:00.001-06:002011-01-04T17:56:00.703-06:00

When I was in Indiana, I did a little pictorial tour of my Gramma’s house, so I could remember it just the way it is today, they way I want to remember it. I was down in the basement, trying really hard to take pictures in the dark.  I rounded a corner, where a pantry/closet is, and a chalkboard that we used to always play with as a kid.  (You can see the desk there—we would play school and

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-63493587911967199592010-12-30T22:00:00.001-06:002010-12-30T22:00:38.330-06:00

It makes me sad that this even exists.

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-77672649150130286762010-12-29T18:04:00.001-06:002010-12-29T18:04:45.297-06:00

God really knows what he is doing.  That is an understatement, of course.  Last week, I went to Whiting, IN to visit my granny.  As I have mentioned, she is really sick, and the prognosis is not great.  (Warning: cheesy Gayle is about to come out).  However, as with rainstorms, there are rainbows, and there are blessings that have come from my visit.  I will share those in an upcoming post.  For

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-1440951806742865602010-12-19T15:27:00.001-06:002010-12-19T15:27:50.688-06:00

Tomorrow, I leave for Chicago to see my Gramma.  I posted a few weeks ago that she was really sick—and she still is.  I decided on Monday that it was high time for me to go up and see her.  It was that gut feeling, ya know? I was blessed by a friend of mine when she heard that I was trying to go up there and was struggling to find an affordable flight at such short notice, and she gave me almost

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-74881334915474629082010-12-16T22:14:00.001-06:002010-12-16T22:14:35.954-06:00

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-35702588097077198812010-12-11T18:47:00.001-06:002010-12-11T18:49:16.197-06:00

Growing up, we ALWAYS had a real Christmas tree.  In fact, I didn’t even know what it was like to put up an artificial tree until I helped Janet a few years ago.  (Kinda prickly!)  I think they look great, but my heart just LOVES real trees. Until I have to take them down.  Two years ago, my tree was up until February because I couldn’t get it out of the house and cut it up by myself.  Four

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-28245095316093552762010-12-09T22:36:00.001-06:002010-12-09T22:38:22.492-06:00

Tonight, I went to a performance at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, called “The Gift of Christmas”.  Prestonwood is a HUGE church, and they put on a spectacular production, with two acts, video montages, dancing, a kick line, kids performing, teens performing, solos, a HUMONGOUS choir, and six flying angels.  Oh, and Santa’s flying sleigh. :) If you ever have a chance to go to this

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-71825369209348201132010-12-08T17:50:00.001-06:002010-12-08T17:50:14.363-06:00

My aunt has been telling me since my mom passed away 10 years ago that I need to get BRCA tested.  Well, who, at 18 wants to do that?  Fast forward to 2007, when I moved back to my hometown, and moved closer to her—and her reminders. The truth is, I have been avoiding having the DNA test done because I felt like the results would be a death sentence.  It took Matt literally threatening to break

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-10503050413757477282010-12-06T20:50:00.001-06:002010-12-06T20:50:17.527-06:00

So, today I went up to UTD to meet with my academic advisor, as my new student instructions told me to.  I ended up registering for my first classes (yay!).  However, she told me that tuition was due on December 21 (boo).  Um, isn’t that a little early?  I don’t remember having to pay that far in advance for my undergrad… Then I went to visit my financial advisor.  She was busy, so I met with a

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-3919332880753382202010-12-02T20:15:00.002-06:002010-12-02T20:17:28.730-06:00

I know we have all seen these before, but so worth watching again!!!<br/><a href="http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/deck-the-halls-with-14-000-leds/204gje2t?rel=msn&fg=sharenoembed" target="_new"title="Deck the halls with 14,000 LEDs">Video: Deck the halls with 14,000 LEDs</a>

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-82279705567785292022010-12-01T18:13:00.001-06:002010-12-01T18:13:31.361-06:00

Well, tomorrow is Baking Day.  My friend Heather gave me an Amish Friendship Bread starter back in May, and I have baked bread every 10 days (or 9 or 11, and once 12) since May.  The end of May.  Six months times 30 days times two loaves at a time means I have baked bread approximately 18 times, times two loaves, 36 loaves.  WOW, it sure does seem like a lot more than that.  Alright, maybe I am

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-32853836129965928712010-11-30T19:18:00.001-06:002010-11-30T19:18:58.482-06:00

I am refinancing my house… after being in it for only 2 1/2 years.  I am really excited, because the interest rates are awesome right now—record lows—and I am able to save a pretty substantial amount of money per month.  It’s exciting, it’s like getting a raise!  :) Things like this make me feel so, oh, adult.  I remember back when it was intimidating to even think about having a credit card,

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-13565732980151367632010-11-27T14:26:00.001-06:002010-11-27T14:26:09.147-06:00

My blogging has been abysmal, at best, over the past three months.  I don’t even know if I have readers anymore… so if you read this, maybe leave a comment so I know you’re out there? A LOT has happened, to say the least!  Since Thanksgiving was two days ago, I’ll start with what I am thankful for, in no particular order": My family.  I got to see my dad and brother two times in less than

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-23334558907524331592010-09-02T15:07:00.001-05:002010-09-02T15:07:58.550-05:00

I’m in Long Beach…  absolutely beautiful!  Albeit there is a hurricane coming and the weather is about to take a nasty turn, but fun anyway!  We walked along the beach yesterday, and today I went and stood in the waves (too choppy to swim).  I really love it here, but the lack of air conditioning in most places is reason enough to not say, “I could move here!”

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-50769633588271191802010-07-25T15:44:00.001-05:002010-07-25T15:46:06.674-05:00

Well, this is a little late because I have not really made time for blogging lately, but… Matt and I celebrated our one year anniversary on July 4th!  :)  He surprised me with these:   But when I put them on and was wearing them for the first time, I kept thinking (well, and saying), “I can’t believe I have diamonds!!!”  It made me feel beautiful and special.  Not just the diamonds, but the

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-9804166128511847932010-07-11T15:01:00.001-05:002010-07-11T15:01:22.443-05:00

Today, I am playing with my new toys.  In May, I attended the WorldatWork international conference in Dallas.  It’s a Total Rewards organization that I am a part of, and since the conference was in Dallas this year, I was able to go!  It was great… Winning #1: Canon PowerShot A495 (in blue) A few weeks ago, I “checked in” at the Apple Store at a mall, using an app on my iPhone called Gowalla. 

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-52566195011607294322010-06-18T14:33:00.001-05:002010-06-18T14:33:10.938-05:00

Since I moved into my house 2 years ago, I have been looking for kitchen canisters.  They are hard to find!  I have darker colors in my kitchen, black appliances, I don’t like clear, I didn’t want black because they all had chrome accents and I plan to get brushed dark metal sink/etc. The other day, I found the PERFECT set that go with the warm reddish/copper/honey colors in my kitchen, and have

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-42964499826918012072010-06-11T21:20:00.001-05:002010-06-11T21:22:55.757-05:00

Just watched the cutest movie.  It has: Andy Griffith Great music super-cute plot um… and is super-cute! Alright.  My list is not that great, but this movie is awesome. The premise is that the grandkid (Kid) starts spending time with his grandpa.  The grandpa’s (Pa) wife has been gone for a while, and the grandkid is a player.  Kid is searching for love is and is sort of playing

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-65724712215585465222010-06-05T22:03:00.001-05:002010-06-05T22:03:23.004-05:00

My armchair broke yesterday...  my FAVORITE place to sit, of course. It's the part that supports the cushion you sit on. It's falling out the bottom. I have no idea where to even start to get it fixed. What kind of repair person would I call? Has anyone else had this happen, and is it (gasp) expensive? Or more worth it to replace a $300, 4 year old chair from RoomsToGo, instead of fixing it?

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-9442254468564069612010-06-02T19:14:00.001-05:002010-06-02T19:15:42.154-05:00

Two Year Old Smokes 40 Cigarettes A Day (link) Quote from his mother: “He is totally addicted. If Ardi does not have cigarettes, he gets mad, screams and bangs his head against the wall. He says he feels dizzy and sick,” said his mother Diana. NO KIDDING.  It’s called WITHDRAWAL.  Adults have trouble with this, imagine being a little kid who doesn’t understand what is happening to him. His

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-24006993364001281742010-05-09T10:57:00.001-05:002010-05-09T10:57:53.232-05:00

Today is a nostalgic and somewhat sad day for me. Ten years ago was one of the hardest days in my life.  It was the last Mother’s Day I would ever spend with my mom, and also the day that my dad had to tell us that my mom was going to be gone in a matter of weeks or maybe at most, a few months.  She passed away on May 28th, 2000. It is also the first Mother’s Day without my Other Mom, Vickie,

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-10255041602642897642010-04-22T07:50:00.000-05:002010-04-22T07:50:00.634-05:00

Matt’s brother and sister in law are having a wedding ceremony and reception in September.  They were married two years ago by a justice of the peace before his brother went overseas to serve his last tour for the marines. About a month and a half ago, I called Matt at home, and he said Kellie had to ask me something.  Turns out one of her bridesmaids had to drop from the wedding, and she asked

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-39972371102842251732010-04-21T07:46:00.000-05:002010-04-21T07:46:00.691-05:00

Is anyone else complete grossed out by this???

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-12745599758217106012010-04-20T19:44:00.001-05:002010-04-20T19:44:39.351-05:00

I am in the market for an electric edger.  Could be cordless, have a cord, don’t care.  I have a gas powered one and last year half the time I had to pay to have my lawn done because I can’t get the stupid thing started!  So, I am looking into electric. I have been reading reviews for the WorkxGT, Black & Decker, and others.  I have never used electric, my dad never did either, so I have no idea

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-77913212620506082962010-04-19T13:15:00.000-05:002010-04-19T13:15:00.240-05:00

Last weekend, I took a trip to visit my good friend Heather in Georgetown.  We went to high school together (our ten year anniversary is this year… see previous post…  my cutting boards are not the only things that will experience a 10 year anniversary). Anyway, I was going to go down in March for her baby shower, she is days away from having baby Haddon!  I was working ridiculous hours and had

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-43068310543833802302010-04-18T18:41:00.001-05:002010-04-18T18:42:13.293-05:00

I REALLY need to wash my windows on the outside of my house.  Does anyone have some tips and tricks for the job?

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-67275188043599592522010-04-18T15:23:00.001-05:002010-04-18T15:43:40.327-05:00

I did something so simple today that I wonder why I did not do it YEARS ago.  Seriously, I do mean years ago. I bought a new cutting board! For the past ten years, I have been using teeny tiny cutting boards.  Why I did not buy a bigger one a long time ago is beyond me, it’s not like they are expensive or anything.  Just one of those things I would think, “I need to get that” and would always

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-50310111455126855362010-04-03T10:02:00.001-05:002010-04-05T23:11:53.357-05:00

This is what Monty does all day long when I open the blinds… :)

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-12953923366698319932010-03-17T07:10:00.000-05:002010-03-17T07:10:00.762-05:00

I had a horrible cold this weekend… as previously posted.  Normally, when sick (which is not often) I have to take care of myself.  Sick and need food?  Go to the store.  Sick and need medicine?  Go to the store.  Sick and have to take care of the dog?  Do it.  Sick and have food but need to get out of bed to make a meal?  Do it. Sunday was a

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-20470217257319199632010-03-16T18:48:00.001-05:002010-03-16T18:48:06.223-05:00

So, lately I have been really down.  I last blogged about having a cold, but otherwise, I have been in one of those down-in-the-dumps kind of moods for a while.  Why?  I don’t know, which is annoying.  I just haven’t been myself.  And, I’m not the only one who noticed.  Coworkers noticed it, and so did Matt. Last Wednesday, I went to Matt’s to have dinner and hang out.  We decided to have hot

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-40639742744236585252010-03-13T15:20:00.001-06:002010-03-13T15:22:39.072-06:00

So, after at least over a year of being healthy and happy, without anything more than the occasional allergy issue (when I don’t take my Rx), and a broken toe (pickle jar, meet toe). I subscribe to an allergy forecast from Pollen.com.  This week, the numbers have been SUPER high, in the 10s and 11s (out of a scale of 12).  I was too  busy with work to really pay attention to it, when normally I

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-8657088371919083112010-03-08T20:34:00.001-06:002010-03-08T20:34:17.963-06:00

I regularly shop Target for groceries.  My list isn’t ever very long, and there is one on the way from work to my house that I frequent.  I buy these two kinds of Archer Farms flatbread.  Oh-so-good when looking for a little snack. Today, I was picking some up on my way home, looking at the sizes of the, um, loaves (I don’t know what to call flatbread), and this lady and her teenage son came and

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-46553210967941552062010-02-15T11:07:00.001-06:002010-02-15T11:08:38.339-06:00

This has been a great weekend!  I have to admit, I’ve never been an over the top Valentine’s fan, even if I was dating someone.  It really is a women’s holiday.  :)  On Friday, Matt and I went to Trinity Hall and stayed for a long time just talking over a few beers. Saturday, he told me to be ready at 5:00, and wouldn’t tell me where we were going.  He took me to Cru Wine Bar at The Shops at

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-66880990644387456332010-02-15T10:26:00.001-06:002010-02-15T10:26:42.390-06:00

Last weekend, I went to Houston to visit my friend Dani.  I hadn’t seen her since May of last year, and it was high time to see her again. I got in Friday at 5:30, and we went to the gym.  Yes, I worked out on vacation.  I wanted to be able to justify the calories we were going to devour over the course of the weekend!  Then we went to Dickey’s to pick up some BBQ, and Kroger to get some wine.

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-81005894140065905442010-02-07T16:42:00.001-06:002010-02-07T16:42:24.043-06:00

Dear Paper Towel Companies, Why can’t you make all white paper towels, all of the time?  I don’t have a kitchen that has watermelons, bears, flags, etc.  It would match better and save you money on dye if you would make plain paper towels.  Did I mention it would match better and I would be more inclined to buy your brand?  Oh, wait.  Let me reiterate that last part.  I would be more inclined to

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-19628285690032273772010-02-03T21:20:00.001-06:002010-02-03T21:20:38.864-06:00

So, do not be fooled.  Just because someone buys a brand new house, does not mean that that person is free and clear of having what could be very costly repairs that need to be made. Case in point: OVEN:  Last year, my oven stopped working.  Apparently builders are so cheap now, that they do not leave enough room behind the oven for the self-cleaner to run (at 800 degrees).  The oven has a

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-25632885740896846972010-02-01T20:10:00.001-06:002010-02-01T20:10:17.237-06:00

1) Excited to visit my friend Dani this weekend in Houston 2) I miss my long hair only because it was easier to fix. 3) I need to start waking up earlier so I can work the same hours as Matt… or close to it.  He is insane, 6:30  voluntarily.  Ugh.  7:30 is my max… er, min? 4) Continuation of 2, I used to work out during lunch and could restyle my hair and it would look the same---straight----

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-85395976781164125572010-01-30T17:33:00.001-06:002010-01-30T17:33:26.795-06:00

Today was my dear friend Amanda’s baby shower.  It was so much fun to celebrate Amanda and the near birth of her son, Kelton Marshall.  I cannot wait to meet him!  :) Amanda looks amazing!!!  

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-28766330845887249562010-01-30T17:24:00.001-06:002010-01-30T17:24:59.912-06:00

I have this thing about hotels:  they are oogie!  No matter how nice the hotel, I do not like sleeping on a bed that other people have slept on (skin gets in the mattress), nor use pillows that other people have slept on.  No matter how thick the bedding, nor how nice the hotel, it still grosses me out. I read a blog called Post Secrets, where people send in post cards with their secrets and the

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-29720599011062020502010-01-14T08:57:00.001-06:002010-01-14T08:57:06.227-06:00

I get the word of the day emailed to me by Merriam Webster.  Today’s word was: doldrums \DOHL-drumz\ (noun) a spell of listlessness or despondency a state of period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump I thought that this was a very appropriate word for today.  I have been in a funk this week.  One of those weeks that I am down and I cannot quite figure out why, and things that normally

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-13968036551650891482010-01-10T16:51:00.001-06:002010-01-10T16:51:23.347-06:00

BEFORE: AFTER:   TEN INCHES, BABY!!!

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-23023541122359385532010-01-04T16:26:00.001-06:002010-01-04T16:26:48.773-06:00

There is something sort of anti-climactic about New Year’s.  It always feels like something huge should happen the minute the clock strikes 12:00, but it never does.  (Well, at least not in my experience, I guess if you got engaged, married, or had a baby at that moment it would be a little different).  :) It is sort of nice coming in to work the first Monday after the holidays have all passed,

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-17860649083479260642009-12-31T18:35:00.001-06:002009-12-31T18:35:33.237-06:00

I don’t have resolutions, I have goals.  I never follow through on resolutions, so I use goals instead.  Here are my current and ongoing goals: Take photos more often Enter and place in the Richardson Photography Contest for the 3rd year Continue working out at the gym at least 5 days a week Start lifting weights (that has been a goal for about 6 months!) Play with Monty every day

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-85145328320731357352009-12-31T10:58:00.001-06:002009-12-31T10:58:54.735-06:00

I am SO exhausted today.  Matt and I went to go see K sing with the band she joined last night in Deep Ellum (the used-to-be happening place in Dallas that is not-so-happening anymore).  The band is the Matthew Melton Band.  They are jazz-ish, and REALLY talented.  And K has quite a set of pipes, amazing singer if you ask me! I got home at 12:30 last night.  That is 2 1/2 hours past the time I

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-21131456108890712022009-12-29T18:10:00.001-06:002009-12-29T18:11:13.381-06:00

Last week, it iced on Christmas Eve.  I think that is the second “white Christmas” I have had in the 25 years I have lived in Texas. Today, it is SNOWING!  Actual SNOW!  Not ice, but SNOW! That’s not to say that it won’t turn into ice by tomorrow morning, but it is SNOWING, not sleeting or ice rain or anything like that.  It’s SNOWING! It really is pretty. And I am glad I live in a place

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-57756162380682426662009-12-28T16:54:00.001-06:002009-12-28T16:54:00.252-06:00

On Saturday night, Matt came over and helped me (by watching) set up my Wii.  What did we do next?  You guessed it!!! I spent a solid few hours playing Wii sports.  Boxing (he had to watch, cause I only have one controller and nun chuck so far), bowling (I *almost* beat him), and baseball.  Then I downloaded Super Mario Bros. 3 from original Nintendo and we played that together. Sunday, we

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-75677115670244772092009-12-26T16:01:00.001-06:002009-12-28T16:54:32.832-06:00

Last November, I bought a Kirby---a pretty pricey vacuum, to put it lightly. I was vacuuming today, and a part of the engine burnt out. WHY WHY WHY?  It’s only a year old. I bet the repair will be VERY expensive as well.  I sorta just want to fix it, sell it, and get something else that I won’t have to worry so much about.  Nor have payments for anymore. Thoughts? I should have bought a

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-35470819247953089522009-12-25T19:00:00.000-06:002009-12-25T19:08:42.860-06:00

The past three days have been a whirlwind of activity around here for the holidays!  I jokingly told a friend the other day that it was easier when I was single.  :) Wednesday, Matt and I went to my dad’s for Christmas gift-opening, snacks, and drinks.  Dad and Janet got me a wine decanter and a wine diffuser that I have been wanting, which was nice  because I didn’t give them a list this year.

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-88071749229756082092009-12-21T15:58:00.000-06:002009-12-21T15:59:53.029-06:00

Monty had a pretty tough run for it on Saturday night.  Poor guy, gave him his pain meds and his antibiotic around 5:30, left the house for a while, and came back around 10:00, and he was shaking in pain.  I took the liberty of giving him another pain pill, I just could not stand seeing him like that, it was horrible.  He threw up a few times, so we were up a lot of the night. Sunday morning, he

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-18375422863298370362009-12-19T16:47:00.001-06:002009-12-19T16:47:19.550-06:00

Thursday evening: Monty started acting slower, lethargic.  I thought he might be depressed because I have been gone so much. Clue #1---We played in the yard with his favorite toy, and instead of tearing all over the place with it, he walked back to me.  WALKED! Friday: Clue #2---I brought him out of his room in the early AM.  Normally, he would run and tear down the hallway.  He wandered,

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-4894024208363022702009-12-15T15:05:00.001-06:002009-12-15T15:05:17.877-06:00

A friend at work told me about Windows Live Writer, so I am giving it a try.  Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3!!!

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-12469039570055191362009-12-14T19:20:00.003-06:002009-12-14T19:51:21.135-06:00

Alright. I belong to 24HourFitness, have been a member for 4 years or so. I have belonged to a gym since I was 18, and before that, did Jazzercize (yes I did!). Over the years of belonging to a fitness club, I have developed a set of rules that I think all members should follow.1) DO BATHE. Sounds simple. Is not, apparently.2) DO brush your teeth. Those cardio machines are REALLY close to each

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-3688570458625947722009-11-29T11:09:00.003-06:002009-11-29T11:17:06.967-06:00

Two years ago, I wrote about The Legend of the Rainbow Mashed Potatoes. Read the history of it here. Last year, I slacked off on my duties of unveiling a masterpiece, but this year, I made up for it. To be honest, I had forgotten about it---all I had done until Wednesday night was buy potatoes.I was over at my aunt's house with Matt, visiting with her, my Gramma, and cousin. My aunt mentioned

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-90511296558500828222009-11-21T16:54:00.005-06:002009-11-21T17:05:03.203-06:00

This week has been a tough week. I have cried a LOT, which is actually somewhat of an understatement. I miss Vickie like crazy. I cried all night on Thursday, and started my day on Friday with uncontrollable tears.I work from home on Fridays (good thing, because I was a mess). The doorbell rang, and there stood a delivery guy from Market Street with a plant in his hands.It is from two of my

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-23023449666288419732009-11-15T10:57:00.003-06:002009-11-15T11:08:03.913-06:00

Matt is finally here!!!After four months of long distance between Dallas and Denver (I saw him twice in that four months), Matt has finally arrived in Texas and he is here to STAY!Yes, I have pinched myself many times. :)It just worked out too perfectly.He applied for a job with my company in August, but it was not a good fit, so he was turned down.Then, two more jobs opened up, identical

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-85749625360847107292009-11-07T17:09:00.003-06:002009-11-07T17:16:43.169-06:00

I have been nonexistent in blogland for the past little bit. I lost my "other mom", Vickie. The woman who has been a mother to me since my own mom passed away in May 2000, we may as well be related. Her family considers me the fourth daughter, too. She died unexpectedly on October 28. Any prayers for her, her family, and I guess for me are appreciated. Thank you.That is the only update I have

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-10259217687134778682009-10-24T10:53:00.016-05:002009-10-24T11:24:23.979-05:00

The other day, I pulled into my driveway and saw that a HUGE flock of birds had decided to rest on my house and the five surrounding houses and yards to rest, I assume they were flying south. It was cool/creepy seeing all of the birds around. Monty was going nuts, and they were VERY loud!

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-63986505055169700502009-10-07T19:28:00.002-05:002009-10-07T19:35:23.225-05:00

Today would have been my mom's 55th birthday. I figure we would have celebrated with a dinner out and a birthday cake with all 55 candles in. Cards and a simple gift. That's the T-family way!A few years ago, before my dad remarried but was dating my step mom, he and I participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, while she volunteered. We actually ran! We were on the St. Jude team,

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-65876242810651727012009-10-04T11:35:00.003-05:002009-10-04T11:42:14.256-05:00

The weather is just perfect to do absolutely nothing today. Really.Well, I did do one thing. I did make it to church at 8:45 AM to be a front door greeter... and (guilty) left at 9:15, 15 minutes after the service started, and came home and wend back to bed. I was so stinkin' tired!My normal routine on Sundays is to go to church and hit the gym afterwards.Hi, my name is Gayle, and I am a

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-64431668337076365762009-10-03T15:38:00.002-05:002009-10-03T15:49:46.012-05:00

I don't know what to say... I have just loved the past couple of days. The weather has been amazing, and it makes me look forward to this time next year when I will have built a covered deck in the back yard and can actually spend time outside in the evenings enjoying the amazing weather.Right now, I'm watching Accidentally on Purpose (which is pretty funny, love Jenna Elfman!) and have all of

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-48142289643124325792009-09-26T14:20:00.002-05:002009-09-26T15:06:04.220-05:00

Yesterday, I spent several hours cleaning my house from top to bottom. Blasted the music, it was awesome. Cleaned both bathrooms, two tubs, one shower, the kitchen counters, dusted (even on top of the fridge!), vacuumed all floors including the kitchen and bathrooms, mopped, cleaned out the fridge, wiped down the oven and dishwasher, cleaned the kitchen sink. polished my smooth cook top, wiped

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-87422001562264647122009-09-23T18:49:00.009-05:002009-09-23T19:17:28.287-05:00

When I was 3, my parents enrolled me in Rainbow Days Preschool, the pre-K program at St. Jude Catholic Church, where I grew up going. I was only the second class, it was a brand new program. (Matt and I were probably in the same class!) This past Saturday was the 25th Anniversary, and I was able to go! There was live entertainment, one of the ladies I have known FOREVER (Rose, pictured below),

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-28220542618680953362009-09-20T17:15:00.026-05:002009-09-20T17:57:06.575-05:00

Yesterday, my friend Kelley and I went to Grapefest 2009 together. This is my 4th year to go. We did the 11:00 AM People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic. Yes, it is before noon, but that is the best time to go because the crowds are thinner and you get to taste more instead of standing in line, and get to talk to the vendors a lot more. So much more fun, and less HOT!With one of the vendors...

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-60107632729664983742009-09-17T18:18:00.041-05:002009-09-17T18:50:49.016-05:00

Saturday, we went back to Estes Park to actually hike. And hike, we did! 10 miles in 4 1/2 hours! (We were both sore for days...) It was amazing! Such a great time outdoors, which is something we lack in Texas during most months. I hope to do it again before he moves here. He asked me if actual hiking matched my impression of hiking, and really, I didn't know what to think, but it did

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-2650035937913973942009-09-14T18:00:00.022-05:002009-09-14T18:26:54.657-05:00

Friday, Matt and I got a not-so-early start to go to Estes Park to hike. I was so excited! I have never been hiking before, and Matt has been many times (he did Pike's Peak!) and has been to Estes Park plenty of times.Before the hike! It started as a beautiful day... But then the clouds started rolling in. This is why you have to get an early start--early afternoon storms! At least we got to

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-74820096427276706792009-09-12T05:47:00.001-05:002009-09-12T17:05:59.750-05:00

Thursday, Matt and I went to Fort Collins, where he went to school at Colorado State University. There are lots of fun places to go and things to see there, but the highlight of the day was doing tastings at the breweries! We only made it to two of the three we wanted to go to, but that's okay--it was enough! My first tasting at the Fort Collins Brewery. This was my favorite one. Seven. All good!

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-26358633744103452052009-09-10T18:06:00.003-05:002009-09-10T18:39:14.673-05:00

I went to Denver last week to visit my boyfriend Matt*. We had an AWESOME time! (If he disagrees with that statement, he's in trouble). :) We did and saw and went and ate and drank and played and watched and talked and sat, etc.! I was there from August 29th through September 7th, so we had a LOT of time to fill!On Saturday when I got there, he took me to Wahoo's, one of his favorite places.

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-49514646642564471482009-08-26T18:29:00.003-05:002009-08-26T18:38:57.408-05:00

I was so sad to finish the Twilight saga, but then was immediately excited to see that Stephenie Meyer has another book out called The Host. YAY! I got an email coupon from Borders this week for 25% off, so it was meant to be! The girl at the store said that some of her friends actually liked The Host better than the Twilight saga, which is almost impossible for me to imagine. I just checked

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-4808907412893678172009-08-24T18:17:00.012-05:002009-08-24T18:32:07.334-05:00

I am ADDICTED to food and culinary blogs. (One day I should post my favorites).One I stumbed across that is super-cute is KittyCakes. I have been reading for a few months, and her cakes and cupcakes are so beautiful!She recently had a giveaway for Martha Stewart's Cupcakes cookbook. I just had to comment with my favorite kind of cupcake and give an idea for a cupcake project for her to work

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-33167493224088772422009-08-23T14:40:00.003-05:002009-08-23T14:53:01.058-05:00

Well, last night as of 6:30, I finished the last book in the Twilight Series, Breaking Dawn. Ohhhhh, how I will miss the books! I am actually thinking of reading them over again, you always get more the second time around (just like some movies). Of course, I was holding off on watching the movie until I finished the last book. Just like most books, the movie is nowhere near as good, but it

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-49280896979987005932009-08-22T16:50:00.008-05:002009-08-22T16:59:04.995-05:00

I was at PetsMart today buying Monty's food, and I wandered through the toys isle. I don't buy Monty many toys because he DESTROYS them within days. He has such strong jaws and teeth! I had been thinking about getting him a KONG.Then I saw the Extreme KONG. EXTREME!!! Perfect for my boy, it might actually last! He obviously really likes it! Digging in! Mmmmmm! Leave me alone and stop taking

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-73656513433531806772009-08-21T11:45:00.003-05:002009-08-21T11:50:37.680-05:00

I've been meaning to have the hedges in front of my house trimmed for a while, but it was kicked into HIGH PRIORITY mode when I got a pre-fine violation notice from my HOA, telling me that I need to trim them by 8/21 (today!). Since I don't have the equipment or desire to trim them myself, so I had my lawn guy do it. They did a great job, and it looks so much nicer! I had them trim them back

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-86036849220487973832009-08-20T19:23:00.017-05:002009-08-20T19:38:44.109-05:00

I got to watch my friend K's doggies the other day... they had so much fun with Monty!

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-83154355527319680112009-08-18T19:09:00.001-05:002009-08-18T19:11:01.601-05:00

I am stealing this from Tiffany!I Always...-have my camera with me-wear sunglasses-paint my toes and fingernails red-eat the same thing every day: decaf Dunkin Donuts coffee in the morning at home, oat bran for breakfast on work days at my desk (no breakfast on weekends), and a turkey sandwich for lunch and dinner-go 5,000 between oil changes-can carry on a conversation with just about anyone-am

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-10271753504480721842009-08-17T05:19:00.000-05:002009-08-17T05:19:00.451-05:00

I was wandering around Central Market the other day, killing time before Happy Hour with my friend, not really intending to buy anything. I am always drawn to the condiment isle and the pickle/olive/etc. isle. I have hereby discovered the crack cocaine (eh, I don't know drug names, thank goodness), of pickled peppers. WICKLES! Wickles Picked Banana Peppers to be exact. The are spicy. They are

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-19641086971767876702009-08-16T16:04:00.000-05:002009-08-16T17:19:35.615-05:00

My cousin's wedding was on July 25th at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Dad and I had fun walking around taking pictures of stuff!Me and The Frog Dad and me and The Frog

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-38888843992284070702009-07-22T18:12:00.005-05:002009-07-22T18:34:07.449-05:00

Yes, it has been a WHILE! No real good reason for the lack of posts, just have not been making the time to blog in the evenings. :) Tomorrow, my dad and I are headed to Atlanta! Well, Meridian, Mississippi tomorrow. We're only driving part way. We will drive the remaining 300-ish miles to Atlanta on Friday.The rehearsal dinner is at Maggiano's on Friday. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Maggiano's! Their Crispy

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-58394883481906163042009-06-26T09:27:00.007-05:002009-06-26T09:53:28.362-05:00

Ahh, today is the last day of my staycation. Boo. Can I have just one more week, please? :)Monday and Tuesday were relaxation days, but then Wednesday and Thursday was WORK TIME! As in, redoing the landscaping in my front yard! I did some last year during the First Annual Operation Gayle's Yard, but it was in need of much TLC this year.Behold, before (I almost cringe showing you this!): Wednesday

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-58049048759274213372009-06-11T15:28:00.009-05:002009-06-11T16:02:16.740-05:00

You may recall, if you've been reading this blog for very long, the tornado that passed through last April that did some pretty significant damage to the house I was living in while my house was being built. That was pretty scary stuff.The tornado sirens in the city the house was in did not go off because the tornado technically touched down in the next city, but we lived one intersection away

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-21650608427482444152009-06-02T18:47:00.002-05:002009-06-02T19:02:12.723-05:00

This morning, I let Monty out as usual. It was a particularly mild morning, so I left him out longer than I normally do, knowing he would enjoy the weather.20 minutes later, I went to let Monty back in.No Monty.Did I already let him back in? I called for him in the house.No Monty.Looked again in the yard. Called for him. Thought I heard his tags jingle.No Monty.I stepped out. And saw the

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-26481202224889029682009-05-28T16:11:00.003-05:002009-05-28T16:20:07.482-05:00

Nine years ago yesterday, I attended my high school graduation . . . and then headed straight to the hospital to be with my dad and my mom, who had slipped into a coma the night before. I spent the night in a very uncomfortable chair, holding her hand.Nine years ago today, my mom passed peacefully away, with my Gramma, my mom's sister, my dad, and me (still holding her hand) in the room.I

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-63400877768338067462009-05-24T08:00:00.002-05:002009-05-24T08:00:09.626-05:00

May 13th was my one year anniversary in my house. My friend GreG (of Fill In The Blank, he is AWESOME) came over to celebrate with me, and as I was giving him the Grande Tour, I found the hard hat that my construction manager gave me when I moved in. I had always intended to have my picture taken with my hard hat on -- but never had. GreG stepped up to the plate. Using my camera, following is

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-63186611190183840662009-05-23T12:15:00.021-05:002009-05-23T12:42:36.985-05:00

Well, after being in my house for a year, I finally put REAL blinds on 7 more windows. It's about time, I know! My sweet dad came over to help, er, I mean do all of the hard work with me yesterday. He was the driller, screw-driver-er, and blinds-shover-inner. I did the measuring, marking on the wall, put on the valances, and box and part organizer and opener. We were quite a team. Here is Team

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-59041631235346929822009-05-19T12:09:00.001-05:002009-05-19T12:15:08.229-05:00

I was reading one of my favorite blogs this morning, Cake Wrecks, and one of the posts made mention of the Chuck Norris facts phenomenon. Of course then I had to visit the site, and I was laughing so hard at my desk I was almost crying! Some of my favorites:* Chuck Norris can kill two birds with one stone.* Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-77854477264540961452009-05-15T10:20:00.009-05:002009-05-15T10:23:45.232-05:00

This little guy was in my back yard this morning, chirping away!!!

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-53318104793683311752009-04-24T11:38:00.001-05:002009-04-24T11:41:43.854-05:00

Diane Varner is a photographer I have been following for quite some time. I love the mood and feel of her photos, they never cease to amaze me.Today's picture is one of the best, most unique pictures I've seen in a LONG time, all photographers included. How she got this shot is beyond me, and the photographer in me is really jealous!!!LINK!

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-64664934236860026002009-04-21T09:52:00.002-05:002009-04-21T10:24:35.536-05:00

Okay, so I'm super excited that I got my iPhone. But, changing cell phone plans from one that I have had with Sprint for 10 years was apparently a challenge for me. I thought my night minutes started at 8:00, but now I'm not so sure.I went $100 over on minutes*! That is just incredible to me. I have only done that once, when I was like 20 or something, and I went over by $100 then, too. I

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-22154164505278939262009-04-20T12:01:00.002-05:002009-04-20T22:09:10.873-05:00

The second day I was in Springfield, we drove to Eureka Springs, which was just two hours away. The drive was gorgeous. We saw lots of things, and I really, really, really want to go back. Such a cool town!!!!!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Taken from an overlook from the highway we were taking. Me, taking pictures at the overlook. The

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-18531250934825288472009-04-19T15:13:00.022-05:002009-04-20T22:11:21.481-05:00

Two weekends ago, I went to Springfield. I had a great time! I coordinated my visit with First Friday, when the art galleries stay open late and have h'ordeuvres, wine tastings, and the artists are there to talk to. It was a blast! The day was started by \driving around and going to Lanning Gardens, a sculpture garden in Republic, MO. The original Route 66 runs through downtown . . . let the

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-57438302524903290082009-04-03T09:05:00.001-05:002009-04-03T09:05:01.015-05:00

I never had split ends until about 2 years ago, when I started growing my hair long. Longer hair = longer heat styling + consistent flat iron or curling iron use = damaged hair.I was using a Redken product called Smooth Down, or an Avon product to smooth my hair, but it wasn't protecting my hair like it should, and they were sorta greasy-feeling and my hair felt dirty faster, and wasn't as soft

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-8901111484978460062009-04-02T10:37:00.004-05:002009-04-02T10:53:13.976-05:00

. . . to Springfield, MO!S and I have a fun-filled weekend planned with a visit to a local statue garden, movies, dinner, wine, First Friday art walk in downtown, a trip to Eureka Springs for lunch and a relaxing day of milling around seeing stuff, dinner again, margaritas perhaps, a concert, and two mornings of a yummy homecooked breakfast . . . that I will not be cooking, hooray!This will be

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-52206902467225472382009-03-30T12:38:00.004-05:002009-03-30T12:56:28.342-05:00

Yesterday, I decared war on my yard. The weeds are out of control! Yes, I know springtime does that -- everyone gets weeds -- but mine are BAD for several reasons:1) The builder obviously is not going to treat the dirt under the sod for weeds before laying down the sod. Therefore, the weeds on my lot, though invisible to me last year, were definitely still there, ready and waiting to grow and

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-27288822920194352702009-03-29T21:54:00.001-05:002009-03-29T21:54:14.268-05:00

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-30997677897438526322009-03-26T11:13:00.001-05:002009-03-30T12:57:29.603-05:00

Lately, I have been really lazy about fixing my hair. So, for the third time EVER I have been wearing my head up on my head, just throwing it up there.My boss was teasing me and called me Bam Bam, from the Flintstones. I know she meant Pebbles, but I thought it was so funny that she called me Bam Bam that I didn't correct her.Here, for your viewing pleasure, Pebbles and Gayle:

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-85642154974191626932009-03-26T09:54:00.000-05:002009-03-26T09:54:04.057-05:00

I love flowers!!! What girl doesn't? Well, maybe some. And sometimes, I will buy them for myself just because I love them and love how pretty they look in my house.Mmmmm, fresh flowers. Yay!I was at Tom Thumb the other day, and they had freshly cut, closed daffodils on sale, 20 for $3.00. I jumped all over that! I bought 20. They opened overnight and lasted for SIX days!!!Every time I

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12655614.post-61471558027067581832009-03-25T17:30:00.020-05:002009-03-25T21:50:54.354-05:00

I have been busy busy busy!!! And that is why I have not had time to update all of you on what I've been up to for the past couple of weeks! Of course there was the ski trip, but that will be a separate post. This one will just be random. :)My friend Esteban invited me to my very first pro soccer (football!) game this past Saturday, and it was awesome! We had great seats. He had an extra ticket

gaylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818970019076823384noreply@blogger.com1