Day 243: August 31, 2011

This cartoon quote has a lot of truth to it. I need to remember to enjoy the present.

Day 242: August 30, 2011

I just finished The Hunger Games, the first book in a three part series.

It was the perfect book to read while traveling on my tri-state trek through the Midwest. I could not put this book down. I was even late to work one day because I was so into the book. I'm looking forward to the next two books in the series.

Day 241: August 29, 2011

As I travel around the US for work, I've gotten to experience many neat things, like great restaurants, cool (and not so cool) places, and shopping!


I went to my first H&M store in Hollywood, California. I've been to several other since then, including St. Louis and Indianapolis. Dallas finally got an H&M and I've been itching to go! I had the day off work and it was the perfect day to grab one of my girl friends and drag her along as my shopping buddy. Even though it was over 100 degrees outside, I got some cute clothes for fall. Bring on the cooler weather.

Day 240: August 28, 2011

Trust your heart.

Day 239: August 27, 2011

Final stop- Omaha, Nebraska.



On my drive from Le Mars, Iowa, I saw endless corn fields.



And lots of flooding.



I noticed on all the bridges near the river there were huge bags with rocks and sand in them to keep the water off the roads. The flooding is devastating to the farmland in the area. As Texas is in severe drought conditions, the Midwest is suffering from extreme flooding.

Day 238: August 26, 2011

Next stop- Le Mars, Iowa.


Population: < 10,000.

One of my favorite things about traveling is experiencing the local eateries. Archie's Waeside came highly recommended. Archie's was ranked number 2 out of 64 restaurants in Rachael Rays March Madness Bracket of top Steak Houses in the Country. It was a true hometown steakhouse.

Day 237: August 25, 2011

First stop in my tri-state Midwest trek: Sioux Falls, SD!


I landed late at night, when the sun was down and the wind was blowing. I got real goosebumps. This Texas girl is used to the heat!

Day 236: August 24, 2011

As I packed for my work trip to the Midwest, I had to dig in deep in my closet for clothes appropriate for cooler weather. My trip itinerary: a late flight into Sioux Falls, SD with an overnight hotel stay, a drive to Le Mars, Iowa where my client's plant is located, with an overnight stay at the classiest hotel in town- Holiday Inn, and a drive to Omaha, Nebraska, for an overnight stay in the hip area of Old Town, for an early morning flight home.

I'm most looking forward to cooler temperatures- a much need break from the heat.

Day 235: August 23, 2011

I should keep this in mind with my trip for work to the Midwest on the horizon...

Day 234: August 22, 2011

Someone hit an electrical box near my client and it knocked out the power for a couple hours. Rather than leaving the site, we toughed it out and audited by candle light. Or rather modern day candle light- the light given off by our laptop computer screens.

Day 233: August 21, 2011

For a fun girls night out, my usual crew of girl friends and I went to the Cock and Bull, more commonly known as C&B. It is a dive bar located in Lakewood.


We enjoyed a couple beers, dinner and each other's company.

Day 232: August 20, 2011

Love and life aren't always easy.

Day 231: August 19, 2011

Darrell and I share the same passion for football, bike riding, wine and sushi!


As a special treat on Friday night, Darrell and I went out for a sushi dinner. The sushi was delicious, but the company was the best part of the evening.

Day 230: August 18, 2011

As a special treat this summer, the firm I work for has sponsored a couple happy hours.

It's a nice excuse to have a couple drinks, mingle with coworkers/friends, and enjoy the non-busy season.

Day 229: August 17, 2011

It's been a long, hot summer.

My electricy bill is sky high. I'm ready for fall.

Day 228: August 16, 2011

Today, I attended round two of the tax training I started last week.



I'm no less confused then I was last week about taxes. I'm glad I'm an auditor.

Day 227: August 15, 2011

This summer has been filled with time at the pool, good books, time with good friends, good food and plenty of frozen yogurt. It makes the extreme heat more bearable.

Yumi-Licious is yummy indeed. Especially when consumed in the company of good girl friends on a hot summer evening.

Day 226: August 14, 2011

This weekend, I joined Darrell as he test drove a new bike. We did a couple laps around White Rock Lake at 2pm in the afternoon, and needless to say it was HOT. It is our tradition to grab Starbucks after our rides together; iced coffee never tasted so good.

Day 225: August 13, 2011

Having recently just started to dabble with eating Indian food, I was excited to try a new restaurant.



I went to the Clay Pit on Saturday and had a lamb dish and plenty of naan. Maybe one day I'll be adventurous enough to attempt to make lamb.

Day 224: August 12, 2011

Frankie's favorite spot to sleep is on the back of my couch, on the blanket. Part of me wonders if he's half cat. Nonetheless, he's cute.

Day 223: August 11, 2011

This summer has been exceptionally hot, even for Dallas. Which means that I've spent more time poolside, with my girl friends or reading my Kindle and working on my tan, so I have nothing to complain about.



After 40 days, a thunderstorm broke the streak. The 'cold front' didn't last long, it was 100 + degrees a couple days later. I'm looking forward to fall and cooler weather.

Day 222: August 10, 2011

Words to live by.

Day 221: August 9, 2011

As a CPA I often get mistaken as a tax guru, especially before personal income taxes are due around April 15. Since I'm a financial statement auditor, rather than a tax specialist, tax isn't my favorite.


And after 8 hours of tax training today, I haven't changed my mind.

Day 220: August 8, 2011

This summer has been perfect, allowing me to read plenty of good books on my Kindle.

Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger (author of The Devil Wears Prada), was the perfect book to read poolside, while patiently waiting for my pizza dough to rise.

Day 219: August 7, 2011

I saw this photo on Pinterest and knew McMaria Egg McMuffins were in my breakfast future.

I baked the eggs for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. I toasted English muffins, placed the perfectly shaped eggs on the muffins, and added feta cheese. McDonald's ain't got nothin' on McMaria Egg McMuffin.

Day 218: August 6, 2011

After seeing a delicious homemade pizza on one of my favorite blogs, Eat Live Run, I knew I had to try and make my own homemade pizza. Having never dabbled with making my own dough, I was kind of nervous! After I made the dough, I knew I couldn't wait patiently and be within twenty feet of the rising dough without peaking every two seconds, so I forced myself to go out to my pool and let the dough rise in peace. After I came inside, with a suntan glow, the dough had at least doubled inside- success! I rolled out the dough, added part tomato paste and part tomato pesto for the sauce, piled on Parmesan cheese, artichoke hearts, cooked chicken and halved grape tomatoes and threw it in the oven.

I think my first try at homemade pizza was a success! I can't wait to experiment with different pizza toppings.

Day 217: August 5, 2011

Happy Birthday, Darrell!

To celebrate his birthday, Mom, Darrell, Grandma and I went to the Rangers game. It is one of Darrell's favorite things to do and Grandma had never been to a Rangers game before. I think hot dogs and peanuts taste better while watching a baseball game. We had a great time at the ballpark!

Day 216: August 4, 2011

I had an engagement team dinner at III Forks, one of Dallas' many great steakhouses. As we had eighteen people, whom are known to get rowdy, we had a private room, the Captain's Room. I ordered the surf and turf special, 6 oz fillet and King Crab legs. For dessert, I split a 'too many layers to count' chocolate cake and chocolate moose. The dinner was fabulous, the company was entertaining, and the night overall was very enjoyable.

Day 215: August 3, 2011

Words to live by.

Day 214: August 2, 2011

Frankie is a burrower. He loves to snuggle up under the covers, even if it is 110 degrees outside.

Day 213: August 1, 2011

It is August. In Texas. And it is HOT.


Nothin' says summer like a watermelon.