I've disappeared

Me and the Sis at Thanksgiving

Me and one of my besties at the Baylor/Tech game!

With the boy at the Baylor/Tech game, he's ridic.

Well I horribly failed at that blog posting month. Sorry bout that. And apparently I am failing at posting in December also. Things are busy right now, what with the hoildays, and finishing up things at work before I take time off for the holidays. I promise more posts over the holidays, especially when things slow down and I am hanging out at my parents house.

I leave you with some fun photos from Thanksgiving tailgating at the Baylor/Tech game!

Much Love.

Shoe Size

My shoe size is .... well ... large. I wear a size 11 (gasps). I'm tall so it's okay. I figure if I had smaller feet I might fall over. Now, I've come to terms with my shoe size over the years and the obstacles it presents. For one, I can't just stroll into DSW or any department store for that matter, find a cute shoe, and automatically know they have it in my size. Because, more likely than not, they won't. Instead when I go into a shoe store, I approach a sales person, and quickly ask "Do you carry any 11's", if they so "No" then I know to turn around and not waste my time. Secondly, size 11's go quickly because generally stores will only have 1 or 2 in an 11. Suck.

Now, all that in mind, yesterday I went to Luke's Locker to find my first pair of nice running shoes. I'm sort of getting into this running thing, and so I decided I needed a good pair of shoes and to have someone check out how my foot looks when I run (and not to mention the current shoes are giving me some massive shin splints). I get my foot measured and he watches me walk. Now comes the awkward moment (more for him, than me) but he (he being the sales guy) leans in and whispers in my ear "I think you need a size 12"...then looks around in case anyone overheard him tell me that I need that big of a size. I calmly smile at him and nonchalantly state "It's okay, I know I have big feet, I've come to terms with it" to which he graciously and awkwardly smiles back and says "ok, I'll go see if we have any size twelves". He brought out...drum roll please....4 boxes of shoes (the entire collection of size 12 woman running shoes in their inventory). He apologized for this fact and I told him it was okay, atleast he had 4. Luckily a pair of asics fit perfectly and helped my bad arches. Anyways, the point of the story is - I'm okay with my shoe size, but I am not okay that stores/designers refuse to carry size 11s.

RIP Chelsea Earle

On Wednesday, November 4, 2009, this world lost an amazing woman. Chelsea Earle passed away to go and be with her savior. I received the news Thursday morning as I was packing for Chicago. I am saddened at the loss of this wonderful person. Chelsea was 26 years old. She was a woman filled with God's love. She was a happy person and a genuine friend. She had a loving spirit and was a beautiful person inside and out. I could go on and on for paragraphs about her, but if you knew her you already know all those things. Chelsea and I met when I was in seventh grade. We both attended Camp Crucis together and were fast friends. Throughout the following 5 years we attended church youth events together, as well as more camp sessions, and were never at a loss for conversations or laughter (I have photo albums filled with these exact moments). I'm sad to admit that over the past eight years we lost touch. Her death brings life into focus. And makes me wish that we had stayed in touch. Life tears people in so many different directions and I hope that I am able to not lose touch of those people, like Chelsea, who made an impact on my life in the best of ways. I will miss you Chelsea and I know you are at peace and in the loving arms of Jesus Christ.

Chicago!

Tomorrow I will be heading to the windy city for the first time in my life, and for free! What might you ask am I going for? Well, I am an official moot court coach at my law school. I have been coaching the Appellate Lawyers Association Moot Court Competition Team the last two months and we head to the competition in the windy city tomorrow. I have never been to Chicago, but I have always wanted to go. Any tips? Advice?

Wish my team luck! The students have worked really hard to get to this point and I'm excited to see how they do this weekend!

Kolache Fairy

Dear Kolache Fairy,

(That's what I call the copy service man who delivers Kolaches to us on random days to lure us to his copy business, its a tight market out there for copy services, Lawyers produce a lot of documents). It's always a surprise when you make your random appearances. Take for example today, all I had to eat for breakfast this morning (which I generally eat at my desk because I always run behind in the morning) was a plastic cup of Raisin Bran Crunch (the normal choice) that I bought from Rumi downstairs (Rumi runs the little convenience store in my building, he slips me free things most days - like a biscotti this morning). But lo and behold, you appeared, with the most delicious, buttery kolaches known to man. I'm not sure where you buy these delicious creations, but they taste wonderful in my mouth. So thank you Mr. Kolache Fairy for the tasty treats you randomly bring to my law firm's breakroom. Maybe one of these days I'll send over some documents for you to copy for me!

Best,

Sara

Weekend Update

This past weekend was a blast! Here's a little recap:





Friday:

I went to see Mary Poppins with my sis, Erin, and Alisa. Before the musical we had a tasty dinner at Sambuca! The musical was great. Very entertaining. Then I met up with Patrick at his firm party, and we had a late night meal at 59 diner.

Saturday:

On Saturday night, we had our halloween party! It was a success. So much fun to get dressed up as a 50s glam Housewife with Alisa. It was a late night filled with dance parties and lots of laughter. Can't wait till next years party!! Posted below are some pics from the night.

My fellow 50s housewife

With our rhinestone cowgirl.

My co-worker Justin went as "The Most Interesting Man in the World"



Being a good housewife.

The sister and I! (we had a fog machine, courtesy of a random purchase by the boyfriend)

SNL!

Me and the boy, you can't see it but he went as Hank Williams Jr. I even bought him a littl red guitar to wear.

The shock game was a big hit!

We tried to change it up a little.


All in all it was a fabulous weekend. Sunday I didn't feel so hot, so I just lazed around and did chores/read.

Much Love.

Post 1 of that Nablopomo. (or something like that)

Patrick and I celebrated our two year dating anniversary last weekend (it was on Oct. 17). I cannot believe that it has already been two whole years! I'm truly blessed to have such a loving, caring, encouraging, intelligent, romantic, and hilarious boyfriend. Thanks babe for a wonderful two years, and for working hard to get the weekend off of work (he normally works all weekend, not by choice..).

Riverwalk

Us on the riverwalk (the sun is apparently in his eyes).

On the balcony of our hotel room, we stayed at the Westin Riverwalk, it was loverly.


At our "anniversary" dinner at a yummy italian food place on the Riverwalk. It was a perfect night!

We arrived on Friday night, and went to a wine and champagne bar. The next day we relaxed and then had lunch at a mexican food place on the riverwalk. Then we went shopping and ended up heading to the San Marcos outlets where he bought me my anniversary present (a new purse/wallet). We went to dinner at this italian food place and we were able to sit on the patio and people watch and enjoy good conversation. Afterwards, we went to this pub called "Dirty Nelly's". It was an irish pub with a piano singer and peanut shells on the floor. It was awesome. Sunday we picked up some breakfast tacos and headed come. I had a wonderful trip and it was fun getting to spend the whole weekend together!

Tomorrow I'll post about my FUN weekend (Mary Poppins and Halloween Party).

Oh, and just for your knowledge, when a finger smacks and ceiling fan that is going on high speed, it doesn't feel awesome. In case you were wondering.

Oh, and I lost my keys (all of them) twice this weekend. No worries, I found them both times.

Much Love.

Happy Halloween (a day early)

I know what you're thinking, Silly Sara, Halloween is tomorrow! Well friends, I won't have time to blog till Sunday because of my fantastically fun weekend. Tonight starts off with a dinner, and Mary Poppins! Tomorrow is our spooky halloween party! Hope everyone has a ghoulishly delicious weekend.

Nablomo (or something like that)

I have decided to participate in the national blogger month, where you blog everyday. I can't promise exciting posts, but I can promise one everyday!


In other news, I had a great weekend last weekend celebrating me and the boys 2 year anniversary. I will post later with pictures! I cannot believe its already been two years!

Hello Weekend

The weekend, it is almost here. And I am looking forward to this one, not for any distinct reason - nothing planned really, but because it looks like it's going to be relaxing AND with beautiful weather!

My weekend holds a little bit of the following:

- Watching "Paranormal Activity"

- Reading "The Help" (such a good book) I might try to find a nice place outside to read!

- Watching DVR'd shows from the past week.

- Hanging out with the boy.

- Zumba at 24Hour fitness. Not sure what this class entails but the description sounds fun, that is if I can get myself up at 9:30 am to make it, haha.

- Seeing Jamie's new casa!

- Halloween costume shopping with Alisa! Not sure yet what I want to go as...any suggestions?

- Grocery shopping at the new HEB!

- and this isn't fun but planning my budget for the next two weeks, blah. a necessary though.

Happy First Fun Fall Day of Nice Weather to All!

Pinot and Picasso

A few Fridays ago, Alisa, Erin, and I attended Pinot and Picasso. P&P is a night of wine and artsy painting, who could ask for more? You bring your own wine and they supply the canvas, and all the painting supplies needed to create a masterpiece. And create masterpieces we did (with the help of a few bottles of wine). They bring in a local artist who teaches you how to paint the picture for the night (we selected this night because we would paint a sunflower on a purple background, and well we love purple, and flowers). They take you step by step and teach you how to blend, shadow, merge colors, etc. It was one of my absolute favorite nights in Houston to date. I will definitely be going back.

Alisa and I before we started painting.




Erin looks so sophisticated painting.


I look just plain silly, haha.

Paint Paint Paint



I was apparently explaining something very important to the girl sitting next to me that I just met.

The Final Product! Yes, ladies and Gentleman, I painted the above. It is now proudly hanging on my living room wall.

A Vino Weekend

This past weekend was GREAT! I ventured to Arlington for a quick visit with the family and to attend a wedding.



Friday:



I rolled into town around 8 pm after a very rainy/stormy drive up from Houston. My Aunt Barb was in town from Oregon visiting and so the whole Johnston clan (my mom's bros/sis's) got together to celebrate her visit. My dad grilled and we sat around and chatted and drank vino. It's a lot of fun hanging out with them now that I'm an "adult". My Aunt Barb is my mom's closest sister in age, and the one I take after the most. In fact my sisters used to tease me when I was younger (in hopes to make me cry, which wasn't hard when I was younger) that I was her child and she didn't want to raise me so she gave me to my mom (yea you could see how that might make a 5 year old cry). But alas, my mom reassured me that in fact i was her child.



Saturday:



Slept in till 11:30 am which I haven't done in I don't know how long. My mom made breakfast (which I love) and then we watched Bones and relaxed. That night we went to the wedding of Jaclyn Stewart (a sorority sister/family friend). Her parents and my parents have known each other for 30 years, and I rushed her when she was at Baylor for my sorority. It was a beautiful wedding and she looked gorgeous. The wedding was at a church in F-dub, and the reception at the Petroleum Club in downtown F-dub, with a wonderful view of downtown. It was a great time chatting with my parents and sister and their friends and drinking good vino and dancing.



Sunday:



Woke up late again and had a tasty waffle breakfast. I stayed around to watch the Cowboys game with the parents (it was nerve racking to say the least). Then I drove back to Houston.



This week is super busy. I don't know if I mentioned it, but I am coaching two moot court teams this year (one in the fall (Chicago) and one in the spring (New York)). We had our first Chicago practice last night and it was really fun! I'm looking forward to helping these kiddos in the coming weeks, and so hopefully have a win in Chicago Nov. 6/7! I also don't remember if I have mentioned it, but I am applying to join the Houston Junior League. I am excited for this opportunity. I have always enjoyed volunteering and have felt that it has been severely lacking in the last few years. And I look forward to meeting more women in my community and really diving into what Houston has to offer (since I plan to be around here for a while, all things being well). Tonight is the Interest Meeting, and the applications are due on Oct. 26. I also have another moot court practice on Thursday, and Spinning with Alisa on Wed. This weekend is Patrick and I's TWO year anniversary (crazy) but we are planning on celebrating it Next weekend since he is super jammed at work this week and weekend.

Oh and did I mention that I am in LOVE with the new Michael Buble cd? Jen (Rus) McCrady introduced me to the MB back in college and I've been sold since. I'm listening to the new cd right now!

Much Love.



Yay: Getting more involved.

Dang: Humidity.

I have a confession to make...

- I hired a cleaning lady to clean my one bedroom apartment. Yes, I know, it's one bedroom. But let's face it, I'm lazy, and didn't inherit the "love to clean" gene.

- In reference to the above, I leave dishes in the sink (gasp) and sometimes leave wet clothes in the washing machine for a day or two, only to re-wash them on day 3 (gasp). I know, its hard for me to admit these things to y'all.

- I don't drink the last inch of liquids in anything. I'm not sure where I learned this or why I do it, but its a subconcious thing (whether its water bottles, coke bottles, beer bottles, you get the point).

- I have been talking myself out of working out for the last week. It's really rather amazing at what kinds of excuses I can make...

- I screen phone calls. I really don't mind talking on the phone, at all.

Whew, now that I have come clean, that feels great!

Where in the World is Sara...

I just know that is probably most likely what you are thinking. Where has she gone? Has she gotten the role of a lifetime in a movie? Has she been signed a book deal to review chick lit? Is she sitting on a beach somewhere? I'm afraid to report, that unlike any of those exciting things, I have been simply working, hanging out, and living life. There are a few noteworthy things from the past few weeks:

- Went to A-town for 5 days and visited the familia. During that time, my mom and I "lunched", got manis/pedis, shopped, and watched Mad Men season 1. That Friday the boyfriend flew into town (didn't know he could fly, did ya?) and visited my fam for the weekend. On Saturday, the boy, the mom, the dad, and the uncle attended Grapefest in Grapevine. We had a grand ole time sampling wine, shopping (well that's the part my mom and I enjoyed), and people watching. That night, I passed out on the couch while my dad grilled steaks and the boy and uncle watched football. That Sunday we headed back to the Houston. All in all a grand visit!

- Last weekend: the boy and I saw Zombieland. Yes, Zombieland. I am one of those girls that really enjoys "scary" movies (I'm serious). It was an awesome movie! Very witty and entertaining, and really not scary. On Saturday, Alisa and I ran in Race for the Cure. It was mucho crowded (32,000 people - Good job H-town, way to represent) but well worth the pushing and shoving to get to the start line (what can I say, I like to throw elbows). That night the boy and I went to a bbq at my sister's house. Lo and behold all three sisters were present (the youngest one escaping a-town and the sickly parents, drove down to h-town that day, a pleasant surprise). We watched the Aggies lose, and ate some darn good steaks and mashed potatoes (which may have been a bit spicy, but who says 3 tbsps of chipotle powder is too much? Not I!). Sunday was a perfectly lazy Sunday. The boy and I grabbed brunch, then proceeded to watch the Texans win and the Cowboys lose (and I read the last of Dead Until Dark (new post on my book review blog, check it out)).

- This week has been good thus far. Just trudging along till we make it to the weekend and I can go visit the familia once more!

I promise to post sooner (I know I said that after the last post, so you probably don't believe me, which I understand).

Much Love.

Yay: Cool weather FINALLY tomorrow
Dang: Dang office fridge is out of Diet Coke.

Much needed update

Well Friends, I realize its now September 15, and I haven't posted in about two weeks. Oops. Time got away from. I've had a fun last two weeks, here is a bullet point list:

• 3rd row Texans game tix on the 50 yard line, can't beat that. Only thing that would have made it better is if (1) they had won and/or (2) it had been the Cowboys game.

• Boerne weekend trip over labor day to visit Patrick's dad/stepmom. We had a great time of sleeping in, laying by the pool, playing WII, watching Inglorious Basterds, and relaxing! I love that place.

• Football season! I LOVE football season (it might be my early years as an elementary age cheerleader that spurred this). But something about the Fall and Football makes me smile. We have already watched a TON of college football (including my UH (law school) win over Oklahoma State last weekend, and the OU upset the weekend before, and the Baylor (sic em) win over my dad's alma mater Wake)

• My leg is almost healed from the garage incident. Still a nice indent and bump that my nurse sister told me would take a few months to fully heal. And when I squat down to get a file out of the bottom drawer of my filing cabinet, it hurts still. Bummer.

• Signed up for the Race for the Cure in H-town with Alisa. I'm excited to get back into this. My sorority's philanthropy in college was Breast Cancer awareness and we always participated in R4TC.

That's about all the updates I have. Exciting life I lead! I'll have more to post after this weekend!

Much Love.

Yay: New Iphone (yes I gave into the trend)

My bruised leg for your viewing pleasure

This pic was taken on my camera phone so quality is minimal, the reddest part is where the garage door handle hit....

Notice the bump on the upper right side, no that is not my muscle...swollen lump. awesome.

Random weekend update

Random weekend - fun/painful. I'll explain.

Friday:

Went to see Time Traveler's Wife! And I loved it. I read the book about three years ago so it wasn't fresh enough in my mind to remember a whole lot, so I found the movie surprising and entertaining. I cried at the end, a lot. Which can always be quasi embarrasing in the movie theater. I love Rachel McAdams, and to ponder time traveling boggles my mind.



Saturday:

Patrick's mom/sister were in town for the weekend. So I had brunch with them, and then headed to my law school to help out with a writing workshop. AND I was told that I get to coach an actual moot court team this year! Yay!

Afterwards, I hit up the galleria for a little retail therapy.

Then I headed to Patrick's to hang out with everyone. Well...patrick's roommate has a scooter/moped. Its pink. And Patrick decided (upon my urging) to give me a few lessons in the art of moped riding. I was riding along just fine, that is until the speed bump intervened, and I ran into a garage going about 20 mph. Ouchies.

+

=

Hurt Sara

Now, my right side took the brunt of the impact b/c I tried to turn at the last minute, and as I turned I fell down on my left side. My right quad ran into the door handle on the garage and has a good cantaloupe size bruise/bump and hurts like heck. Even now as I sit in my office it is throbbing. My right arm is really sore, my left ankle has an injured ligament and I have some road rash on my left arm. Awesome. Guess I won't be riding on a moped anytime soon. No worries about all the other physical damage(the dented garage, and the smashed moped), we've already taken care of those.

Sunday:

Nursed my wounds on the couch watching Dexter Season 2 on demand. Then went to see Depeche Mode with Kate and Steve (Patrick was supposed to come, but alas, his surgery happened). It was a fun/interesting concert. I know a lot of DM's older songs (like from the 80s/90s), not so much their newer songs (which they played a lot of). But I had an enjoyable evening chatting with my sister and brother in law and singing the songs I do know.

This week:

Not a lot going on this week. Looking forward to the three day weekend coming up and the four day week that follows. I have a hearing on Friday, and just other projects to complete during the week. Getting lunch with Alisa today, and seeing the boy tonight.

Patrick Update: Well...Patrick is still healing. He has another two weeks off from work to recover. He is allowed to drive now so I think he doesn't feel as shut in (he wasn't allowed to drive for two weeks after the surgery). Pray for quick healing!

Much Love!

Yay: My new shoes!

Dang: the bruise on my thigh.

Update

After a four hour surgery, Patrick is recovering at home. His herniated disc in his lower back was pretty awful (according the doctor, but put into Sara terms). And his pain/numbness should go away substantially. This past weekend was spent playing nurse and taking care of my boy. He'll be off week for 3-4 weeks, which is definitely needed. Let's just say the three inch long, 20 stapled wound on his lower back (not to mention the cut off vertebrae) needs time to heal. Thank you for all of y'alls thoughts and concerns. It was a pretty stressful/scary two days.

Much Love.

Weekend update to come soon.

Prayers

Hello Friends. Just thought I'd send out a prayer request. My boyfriend, Patrick, was in a car accident back in February. He has a lot of back pain as a result, and numbness. He went to the doctor today and the doctor ordered immediate surgery on his back. Turns out he has a herniated disc (ruptured disc) in his lower back that is causing nerve problems. His surgery is tomorrow morning. I will be there. Please if you have a moment say a little prayer. This type of surgery is common for neurosurgeons, and I pray that it goes smoothly like they say it will, and that he will have relief from his back pain.

Much love.

Hair Standstill

This always happens. I want to grow my hair out, and I finally do. But now I need to do somethign to spice it up. I have hair that is long, all one length (minus the front "bangs" but are really just grown out layers now). I haven't gotten it styled in a long time (think spring time). And I am officially bored with it. I do not want to go short. Since I just spent months growing it back out again. But I am looking for something fun and cute and easy. Any ideas? I was thinking long layers? I wish I could say I am the type of girl who never leaves the house without fixing my hair, but that is a lie. I would say, three of the five days of the week, I put it up in a pony tail and most of the time wet (I like my sleep, what can I say?). This probably isn't helping my desire to spice up my hair do. Ho hum. If you know me personally, and you know what my hair looks like, can you provide some ideas that you think would look cute? I definitely foresee a cut in the near future...

Who doesn't love this face?

RR365 Dish2:


Tex Mex Mac n Cheddar: Tasty. Although it took longer to make than expected because I have zero experience in making a "roux" and messed it up the first time. It was a little grainy, might have been the cheese I used, but still came together and was good. I did have a minor sauce overflow onto the stove top b/c milk when it bubbles is hard to stop from overflowing (tip anyone?). Patrick even decided I should add corn and jalapenos for next time. I just might!

This sign is hilarious - had dinner with Maggie on Monday night and it was posted on the stair well of the restuarant, it basically says if you are drunk don't use the stairs, use the elevator.


In other news: Jennifer Leist asked me to be in her House Party for her wedding! I'm super excited and blessed to have her as a friend, and can't wait for all her wedding festivities!

In Vegas, at Pure.