Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Almost one month ago, I was able to go with my best friend to Fenway Park. I had never been before, nor had he, so together we ventured to Boston for an afternoon of baseball.

We took the train in from a station in Massachusetts right to Fenway Park. Beats driving into the city and then finding parking. When we arrived at Fenway, I was overwhelmed. I didn't know which was to look. Vendors and shops selling food and sports items, along with the crowds and even bagpipers. Oh yes, I knew I was in Boston.

The game was Boston Red Sox v. Texas Rangers: two teams I hold near and dear to my heart. The dilemma: I am an avid Red Sox and Rangers fan...my friend = Yankees fan.

Oooooh. How would this situation come to pass, my dear readers, seeing as my buddy was entering 'enemy territory'?

Well, he said he would root for the Rangers while I would root for the Red Sox. He wore no Yankees memorabilia, but he was the only one clapping in our section for the opposing team (though internally I was too).

At one point, a guy sitting next to us, turned to him and said "you're a Rangers fan I see" (or something close to that), to which my friend replied something along the lines of "yeah I like them" or something similar. I had a moment of whispering in his ear saying "why don't you tell them who you really root for" and his reply: "do you want me to make it out of here alive?!"

Anyway, they were great seats. It was a great day. I was happy because no matter who one the game, I would be happy (ps...it was the Rangers who won).

Lions and Tigers and Bears...

Oh my....goodness. This post should have happened about a month and a half ago, but life happens and you get busy...

So, now I'm posting about my fun July 3rd trip to the Bronx Zoo. Yes, I said Bronx. My friend and I drove down to NYC to see the animals! I'm a sucker for Aquariums and Zoos, and the Bronx Zoo is one of the best I've been to!! It's HUGE! Next to San Diego, it's the biggest!

It was a toasty day but a lot of fun. Here is a compilation of the animals who were fairly conked out when we saw them...

I love zoos!

The Big D and Baby J

June is the time for weddings. I was recently out in Dallas for Fomby's wedding (yes, the same one who's bachelorette weekend I went to in NYC). But, it was also a chance for me to meet my goddaughter, Jordan.

I went with Jordan and her parents to the Dallas Zoo. It was her first experience at a zoo and while it was stinking hot, I think she liked it.

I was grateful to have that time with her and be able to start establishing myself as "Auntie Lauren." It was adorable. I can't believe she will be TWO years old in just a few days. It seemed like yesterday when I was getting the message saying she had been born!

But while in Dallas, I was able to catch up with old high school friends and teachers and spend some time with the bride-to-be. It was extremely nice to be included in a lot of the wedding events, such as the bridal luncheon (below) and the spa day.

It's strange to think that we are coming up on our ten year high school reunion. Some people haven't really changed, and others have. But I still can think back on those days and remember the great time I had with everyone. Sure, there were things that I wish I had done better, or could do over, but generally, I liked my high school years.

Things were simpler then...

NYC...What Is It About You?

Really? What is it?

I went to New York for the Bachelorette weekend for Elizabeth (affectionately known as Fomby, and pictured below).

We had an interesting first night...consisting of a Malaysian dinner and a burlesque show (I said interesting). We had a great time and walked ALL over the city.

We were staying at a friend of Fomby's in the financial district, right next to Trinity Church (National Treasure anyone? Albuquerque! Snorkel!) Anyway, it was a beautiful apartment and a beautiful church. I did feel like I needed to go into the crypt and look for treasure...

After our night of debauchery, we went out for brunch off of Times Square, saw street performers and walked around Central Park.

Anyway, it was a great trip and even though I would never live in NYC, it is always nice to visit.

Playing Catch Up

These last few months have been hectic...hectic enough to not have been posting like usual. So, as part of my "change my life" routine for this summer, I will actually backtrack and give updates from events and trips in my life that I never had the time to before.

So, here goes...please stay tuned for updates from trips to Louisiana, a NYC Bachelorette Weekend, Dallas and the Bronx Zoo!!!!!!!!!!

Time to Start Over

So...I have come to a crossroad in my life and I have to figure out how to get through it.

I sit here at my computer tonight thinking on how to move forward and appropriately for myself at this moment. I have come to a few conclusions:

1) I start training harder for my marathon in October. The training has seriously been slacking recently, but that's not the reason for this decision. I am going to train harder for myself as a goal to to say 'I can do it', 'I did it' and 'this is for me and no one else'. I need something else to focus on and I need a goal in my life right now and this is a tangible one.

2) I focus on work more and being the best I can be. It doesn't matter if its my current job or a job I may have down the road. This isn't so much for my work ethic, but more for a focal point that I can be sure to hone in on when times get tough. This could be a point of contention seeing as my work isn't always stress-free, but I can throw myself into it as best I can and hope I come out with my head above water.

3) I take time for myself. I love my friends and my family, but I need time for me now. I need to be there for myself and take the time to do what's best for me. That means some quality alone time scattered throughout this summer particularly.

I can and will do this. I know I can. I will need support from time to time and I know that I will have it when I need it, but there comes a point in one's life when sometimes, you have to do things for yourself...by yourself.

To anyone who is reading this...Happy (early) Fourth of July. I hope it may be happy and festive!

One Down...

I have officially survived...part one that is...

As we are putting on our "... Legends" series, I am pushing myself to get through one day at a time. And I won't lie to you, it's hard. Really hard.

I have officially survived the first...and toughest...section of the series. It was fairly rewarding when everything pretty much went according to plan. A lot of money had to spent in order to make that happen, but in the end...it was worth it.

What, might you ask, am I talking about?

A particular person, who shall remain nameless for the time being, is known for knowing what she wants, when she wants it, and it not afraid of letting you know it. She is rather demanding and can treat you like crap, but she can also turn around and say nice things. Granted, you never know if its true, but its said nonetheless. She's also funny and honestly, a wonderful storyteller.

But damn...she can be crazy.

But, I have survived and after the last time she was with us (things were thrown, people hit, etc) I would have to say it was a true success.

Part two arrived today and it was be like night and day in comparison to part one and part three looks to be even more relaxed. I just have to get through them both and hope that at the other end of the tunnel is a really large drink with my name on it!

Cheers!