Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day means a whole lot more to me than it use to. I didn't grow up in a military family. My grandparents were military though. I have a brother that was military. I have and had friends that were / still are military. Maybe the fact that I'm grown I now realize what this all means. It's not that I didn't before. It's just a stronger appreciation. I'm truly grateful for our military. I appreciate those who serve, have served, or will serve. I appreciate their families. I admire the strength they all have.
I'm not posting this to get any pats on the back from anyone or a slap in the face because I didnt do what you expected me to do.I don't need to stand out from the crowd and act like my message is anything different or anything great. My Memorial Day weekend wasn't just about having a 3 day weekend though. Although spending the time with family and friends is what it's partially about.
I didn't go to any National Cemetery. I didn't pass out American flags. I didnt run in any patriot marathon. I didn't wear a tee shirt that says All American on it. I'm not sure I even wore Red, White, and Blue except for when I went to the Rangers game on Monday.
Do you know what I did do though? I stood up tall and stood proudly when the Star Spangled Banner was played at the stadium, as I do every time I hear it! My skin tingles every time I hear the last lines ..."..the land of the free, and the home of the brave!"
Living in the land of the free and the home of the brave, that's Memorial Day! Im thankful everyday for that!

Marriage Proposals - Public or Private

This morning, I woke up to the radio ( of course ) ( stupid alarm clocks ). anyways, this mornings topic was American Idol season ( i have no idea, I don't usually watch this show ). It wasn't so much about who won but it was about some past contestants that came up on stage and the man purposed to his girlfriend on national TV as well as a live audience. In his proposal, he basically gives a plug to the jeweler or something like that. Anyways, I really didn't wake up until the DJ's were talking about how lame this was. The female DJ, said she would hate a public proposal and thinks they should be private and romantic.

My thoughts on this.... I do think it was more to promote himself rather than express his love during this proposal. However, I don't even know who they were talking about, nor did I see it. I only heard about as I layed in bed hating the alarm clock for going off so early in the morning. I don't think public proposals are a bad thing. I think it can be really sweet. It depends on the girl and the guy. I think its pretty sweet when a guy cant wait to propose and does it as soon as his girl gets off a plane in the airport. (This happen to my friend, Katie) I think its sweet when a guy prorposes to his girl in parking lot because the establishment was closed where he was gonna propose ( This happened to my friend, Matt) I think its sweet when a guy proposes to a girl taking a carriage ride to see Christmas light. (This happened to a friend, who now divorced that jerk; but it was sweet at the time) I have a friends whose man planned a romantic dinner out, had a trail of rose petals to lead them to an even more romantic scenery for him to drop to one knee and propose in fornt of anyone that cared to stop and watch.(food and proposal arent my thing, but it was a sweet story). Mike has a friend that proposed to his girl when she was working at a bar. (I don't think this is all that sweet, but she said yes )  Each and every propsal I hear about is slightly different. Some are outragous and beautiful and some are just lame to me. Iv never wanted to get asked the question at a resturant. My reasons are simple... what if I ened up getting food poison? I would forever associate this with my proposal....or what if service sucked, or my meal wasnt any good. I just wouldn't want something silly to take away from my moment. However, I would still say YES, no matter where it was, as long as it was the right guy.  I guess, it doesn't really matter where one gets proposed to, as long as the heart is in the right place.

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My husband, proposed to me at park. Not just any park. It was the Arbor Hills, Nature Preserve in Plano, TX. This is our favorite park. We use to, at the time, go here every other day. We would take our doggies and walk the loop. Trees, and wild flowers, wild life, dirt bike trails,  and the paved walkway winds throughout the park. It is truly beautiful.
It was December 17, 2004. I was sick. Not sick sick, but I had a bad cold. I had medicine head too. I was sneezing and snotty. I wasn't a pretty site at all. It was also a cold day. Mike asked me if I wanted to got o the park. I said yes, of course. I'm usually a fighter when I get sick and think, getting out of the house and doing my normal routine will only get me better. Mike packed up the dogs, I got on my ugly orange winter ski coat on ( i was sick, I needed the extra warmth ), and tons of kleenex. I had leashes on the dogs and was ready to walk. All 4 of us walked the 2.6 mile loop. We almost got back to the car and Mike says to me..." Do you love me? "....... Now, this is something we ask each other all the time. Its kind of a game we play........ I of course said "YES!"....... He than immediately asked, "How much do you love me?".........I responded like I usually do with my arms spread out to each side of me, reaching as far as I could, responding, "This much!"...now at this time, I had a leash in each hand and when I spread my arms out the dogs got me all tangled up.......Mike without hesitation, with his arm wrapped around me, standing by my side, asked me, "Do you love me enough to marry me?". He had a ring in a black velvet box staring at me. I immediately responded. I said something like "what?, or shut up!" I was blushing, and said "YES!"  I couldn't stop starring at my ring. It was beautiful! I didn't cry at the moment but it makes me smile every time I think about this. It was a very private proposal. Just me and him and our dogs.
Mike isn't what I would call a romantic, but this was the most romantic proposal I could ever hope hope. Sneezing, snotting, tangled up with dogs, freezing weather,....nothing else mattered. I loved that he proposed to me when I thought I looked and felt my worse. It was my proposal and that's all that matters. I love this man, and anything he said and did would have been perfect. Its our story and that's all that matters in the end.

So Public or Private? Mine was private. It was perfect in every way!

* notice my husband is wearing a ring. This is for the sake of the picture only. He is not jewelry kinda guy. He never wears it. I wear mine, but I LOVE my ring.

Thanks for reading my blog,
<3  Julie

Kayaking, Fishing, Family, Friends, and Food!

Holy Tamoly! I had a busy and awesome weekend! Saturday started out early! I had a lot to get done this weekend. I was done working out before 0800. Thank goodness for that. My littlest brother, Danny, graduated from UTD here in Texas today. I met up with them over at my Dad's house. Iv never been to a graduation ceremony before so I wasn't to sure what to expect. Everyone told me it was going to be boring, but I actually had fun. The announcers were pretty entertaining and it went by pretty quick. It was pretty cool to see Danny get his diploma.  We all went to El Fenix afterwords to continue the celebration.

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Sunday I was up early again! Mike and I went kayaking and fishing

on a small cove near Lake Lewisville.  It was awesome fun! 

I love my Hobie Kayak!

My kayak is pedal driven. Meaning, I use my feet to move the kayak. The pedals resememble a stair stepper and the fins are like that of a penguin. It's a sit on top kayak and only weighs about 45 pounds. It's one of my favorite toys that I have.

Mike is the only one who caught a fish today.  It was kinda little.  haha  It looks like bait!

We also caught a turtle. It was a soft shell turtle and that thing looked like it wanted to kill me or Mike. So I didn't touch it. Mike had to save his life. I was to scared!

It was kinda warm out, of course, it is Texas after all! So we only played for a few hours at the lake.

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I had dinner plans with friends on Sunday night. Katie was in town and wanted to go to Abuelos. That place was wonderful . I loved the fish that I ordered. We had a good size group too. Its always good to hang out with friends.

from L to R .... ME (Julie), Rachel, Monica, Laura, Donnie, Brandon, Krystal, Katie, Lyn, John, Michael (not the hubby).  Actually my hubby didn't go.

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Mike stayed home to play with our new Food Dehydrator. He likes beef jerky and I like fruits and veggies.  Our first batch was fruits and veggies. I'll keep you posted on how this stuff turns out.
 We started with strawberries, pears, bananas, apples, and sweet potatoes.

The sweet potatoes didn't turn out great. They were hard as a rock, I thought i was gonna break a tooth on it. The apple... need to be skinned first. The pears and bananas turned out pretty good. The strawberries...mmmm... they were ok.  I'm not sure I like any of it right now, but I'm sure Mike will find away to make it wonderful. He's pretty good at that.

All in all, it was a great weekend. It was nice to see my family and friends.

 

DAY GAME - GAME DAY! and Sirens

DAY GAME - GAME DAY!


I actually worked out today and yesterday before the game, but that's all I want to say about that for now. I stopped by Starbucks yesterday and made friends with a lady there that was admiring my new cool TEXAS RANGERS earrings. I actually got them at the last game but somehow failed to mention or show them off.  I love them! They are so cute!

Yesterday was a DAY GAME - GAME DAY!  WOOHOO!  I love going to day games! I especially love day games in the middle of the week. I feel like its a small vacation. It's always a good day to see the TEXAS RANGERS play ball! Unfortunately, we lost! It wasn't pretty. I'm starting to believe that our whole crew needs to be there was us to win. Laura, her Mom, and I are the only ones that went today. My other friends couldn't or didn't take the day off of work.  So not only did the Rangers lose, I got slightly sun burned too. I guess that's gonna happen on the third base side in the middle of the afternoon. But all in all, it was a good day with good friends.

To top the night off.. Mike and I went to PeiWei! I love this place! We brought the doggies with us too. I love having them with us. Everyday, one of them does something so silly it has me belly laughing. When we were on our way to the restaurant, a firetruck went flying by with the lights and sirens wailing. Daisy stuck her head out of the window and as quick as her head tilted out of curiosity over the noise she was hearing; her nose went straight in the air and she started howling in sync with the sirens. It was so cute, and so funny! All the other drivers on the road that were stopped with us that witnessed Daisy singing along, were cracking up with us. We've never seen her do that before. Even Bear stepped back and was staring at her.  I wish I could have gotten that on video to share with you all. It made for a great laugh!

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

Wednesday's Wisdom and Wishes

I started to call this blog Wisdom Over Wishes but decided that even though that wisdom and wishes are two very different things, they are equally as important to me. There are many things that I wish for everyday and there are many things that having the knowledge about has made life "easier'and enjoyable for me.
I'm not one to complain much. I think that most things that I could complain about, I have control over. I feel like that if something is worth complaining about it is worth doing something about. I also believe that we I should be careful for what I wish for.

Today, I wish I could have slept in for an extra hour.   I know that could never happen. I need to get my tail moving and get this day started.

I wish that someone would make lunch for me and get my water cooler set up for the day.  I know I make a pretty darn healthy lunch and even though the water coolers takes about 5 minutes to fill up..it is still only 5 minutes and if i didn't have it, I think I would go insane without fresh water all day.

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I wish I could have the body that I want. I wish that I was healthy. I wish that fresh and healthy meals were easy to do and eat daily. I know I can have the body I want. I know I just need to exercise more.I know I can eat more healthy. I know how to eat healthy, I just need to be like Nike, and JUST DO IT!

I wish that my house was in perfect order. I know I can do this. I know it will take time. I know I need to start with one corner at a time. I know it will look and be amazing to have everything organized. I know that there isn't much to do, sense I'm pretty organized already

I wish that I could adopt every dog that I see on TV that is living at a kill shelter. I know that I don't have the space for them but I can do my part in every way that I know how.

I wish that I knew more about blogging ( in general ). I know that this will take time and it's just a matter of continuing to blog to work out any kinks that I have.

I wish that I had a stronger bond with my family. I know that this is a 2 way street and that I have to make my effort in making this happen.

I wish I could see my Mom and friends from St. Louis.  I know I just need to figure out their schedules, the TEXAS RANGERS schedule (I cant miss any games), and my schedule and get my tail up there!

I wish the Texas Rangers will make it to the World Series again this year. I know I'll have fun cheering them on with all my best of friends through the end regardless of where the Rangers stand. I had a blast in 2010 when we played against the SF Giants and again in 2011 when we played against the St.Louis Cardinals.

I wish.. speaking of St. Louis, that I had a David Freece bobble head. I know I need to just scroll though eBay and get one.  I know that my friends in Texas wont appreciate this, but I know they can appreciate my mad crush on a baseball player, even if it is this Cardinals MVP.  LOL ..OK, maybe they wont, but I WISH they could just for a moment.   :)  Don't get me wrong... I'm a true Texas Rangers fan but I LOVE good baseball in all teams and this man is good baseball. ..Oh, and there are many more baseball crushes that I have, but sense they just gave out the Freece bobble head on May 13, I'm mentioning it at this time....and just in case anyone that happened to have an extra would like to send me theirs.  :)  I also know that this in unlikely to happen, but I can always wish!  haha

Thanks for reading my blog!

Julie

Mother's Day and Texas Rangers

 Friday, May 11, 2012. Its one of my brothers birthday. I text'd him to wish him a Happy Birthday. I'm not sure if I even have the right number anymore. I don't really have a bonding relationship with Kevin, my brother. However, I will always attempt to contact him to wish him well, especially on his birthday.  If he ever happens to read this, he'll know that I was thinking about him enough to add his day to my blog!
Besides what I mentioned above it's also Mothers Day weekend!  My mom lives back in St Louis so I wont be seeing her and my step-mom lives about 20 minutes away from me, but I wont seeing her either. I sent them both lovely cards though and will call them each as well. My mom and talk almost every other day. Well, more or less.. we text mostly. I love this though. We get to send quick notes and always send pictures too. It kinda makes me feel like she isn't so far away.

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Saturday started out early! Laura and Monica met me at my house at 0845 to head to the game. We stopped at Starbucks to get our fix. I actually haven't been to this famous coffee house more than a dozen times in my lifetime. I have no idea what to order and am completely impressed with all the fancy talk. I told the guy what I like and he made me an amazing drink. I think I am in love! (not with the guy but with my new addiction). Monica told him, that he better write this down for me.. and he did! YAY!

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We got to the game early and were able to take advantage of the LEXUS free parking. YAY!  and YAY Mike for getting me a Lexus! Valet and its free!  It was raining so we had to run for cover but at least we were only a few steps away from the entrance! Laura and I were soak and wet! Monica was the smart one and thought ahead to bring her umbrella. We still look pretty cute though!

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Monica did her sweet talking to the ticket rep and was able to get us all CUERVO CLUB passes! WOOHOO!  Jack Pot! It was also HAT DAY at the park. Not that I will ever wear this hat but I wanted it!

Here is our view from our seats inside the cuervo club.

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Monica, Lyn, myself, and Laura are all showing off our new hats....well long enough to take this picture!  

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Just another cute shot of all of us!

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The Rangers were playing the "lala Angels".  A man that use to play for our awesome team thought he was super amazing and obviously in lala land went back to his home town to pitch for them. Its not that I dont respect his talent, it's his ugliness that annoys me. I wont ever boo him. I dont respect him enough to boo him. .... blah, blah, blah.. There are many Texas fans that feel this way... Its kinda funny to see it so well displayed!

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Unfortunately we lost this game! :(    < that's a sad face in case you cant tell. 

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Sunday started off perfect! I talked to my Mom and step-mom to wish them both a Happy Mother's Day! My Mom and step-dad sent me a card! They are so cute!

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Mike and I and of course the doggies all went to Lake Lewisville! We had so much fun! We walked all over the docks and up and down the shoreline. Daisy and Bear chased sticks over and over again.

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Everyday is good day at the Stauss Hauss!

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....and then it was time to go back to the ballpark! YAY! Its was retro tee day! The shirt is this baby pink color and will look horrible on me but I do like logo!

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Monica, Laura, Lyn, Rachel, and I are all posing before the game on Sunday. My Texas Rangers played the lala Angels again. This time.... we kicked some serious angel booty! 13 to 6!  It was a long game but we all had so much fun! I cant wait until the next time we all go!

We all are so cute in our Rangers gear!

My Newest Mission for the Puppy!

Ok, so my newest puppy Daisy, has a favorite toy! Most of us do, so this shouldn't be a big surprise. But Daisy is a "not so little" monster and will chew/ EAT this toy! She LOVES LOVES LOVES it! I can't remember for the life of me where I got it from though! It had to be PetSmart, PetCo, Walmart, or TomThumb! Iv been checking out the 4, yes! literally 4 Walmarts that are on each corner of where I live. Iv also checked out my local Tom Thumb grocer, the 2 PetSmarts and the only PetCo around me. I have yet to find this amazing toy "again" any where! I haven't given up though. Iv also ventured out to other stores (just in case) they might have it even though I know I didn't get it there! So anyways, Daisy needs your help! Her pink double squeaky dragon is close to being on its last leg. If you read this and happen to find it or know where we can get, let us know! We will be forever grateful!

This is it! Yes, I know its kinda gross looking. That's why I need to find a new one.

Bear will also be thankful if Daisy quits mistaking her for a toy.   :)

Avengers and Tomatoes

It's been a pretty calm weekend for us. Mike had to work on Saturday. Thankfully it was only for half the day. I met up with him at Jason's Deli for lunch. We have eaten here probably over a thousand times. It never gets old. I usually get a wrap and Mike gets some sort of potato. It's always yummy. From here I ventured with him to a tire shop. Not much fun for me but I do like running around with him.

I saw Avengers on Saturday with Monica and Lyn. Thank goodness for Groupon and discount movie tickets. I thought it was gonna be a rough night with the 9 children that were with one family. It started out with one of them running up to me and gtabbing my leg! YIKES! and ewwww! Get your sticky little fingers away from me! I didnt say that of corse. I was frightened though and I did ewww loudly. Why do parents think that everyone wants their kid touching others? Why do parents bring their kids that under the age of 5 (FIVE) to the movies at  2200!? I thought the movie was going to be ruined by screaming and loud call outs for MOM!, but actually there was no promblems at all. The whole "lot" of children sat down and never said a word during the whole movie. I was totally surprised. As far as the movie goes.... You cant go wrong with Captain America, Hulk, or Thor! They are all so yummy! The movie itself was actually kinda funny. Im glad I went.

Like I said, this was a late movie that I went to; so I didnt get home until about 0100! I crashed as soon as my head hit the pillow. I was up early and on another trip with Mike to Home Depot. We have probaly been here over 10000 times! and that is NO JOKE! I forgot what he bought but I got my TOMATO PLANTS! yes.... Im screaming this at you! I have very cool earth boxes that I use for my awesome veggie plants. We also got new dirt for my new plants. Does dirt go bad? Im not sure! Where does that phrase come form anyways.."older than dirt"? Either way. Im thinking new dirt for new plants = hopefully new and edible growth! However this is a challenge. I thought that the birds would be my only challenge but little did I realize that this little monster that lives with me named DAISY would think that this was a new toy box for her.. Iv had to replant the same tomatoes twice now. :Luckily I have 4 earth boxes filled with them. Ill be letting you know how this is working out in the neat future!

this is actually a picture of her when she broke into the grass seed about 4 days earlier. She is as cute as can be!

Monday

Monday I was feeling kinda blah! I know this isn't exactly what anyone cares about, especially when you are reading someone else's blog but that's just how today is going.

Sunday night Mike found a "new" recipe for homemade ice-cream. This may sound delicious but he wanted me to help him make this. First of all, it was some sort of custard. That means egg yolks! Lots of them! [ big yucky face] I'm not much of a cook or a baker or any other flattering term that goes with "belonging in the kitchen". But Mike thought I could help him. I tried. This turned into a disaster. The milk and egg mixture turned into a a cursed mess. I guess I was suppose to mix it or not mix it or turn the heat down. I'm not sure what happened. Either way, Mike told me nicely to get out of the kitchen. Haha. He attempted to continue with the making of the ice-cream and it turned out absolutely disgusting! I thought I was gonna throw up in my mouth! I text'd my friend Laura and she said it perfectly.... "BlueBell makes really good ice-cream!". That's what I'm screaming!

This is Mike texting me from the kitchen as I sat in the living room giggling at the mess I made.

Here's a close up of the nasty ice cream. ( oh yes, its actually that yellow! Thats not just bad light. ) I never said I could cook. [big smiles]

 

My lack of sleep from staying up late to make ice cream has done no justice for my Monday! Iv been trying to catch a cat nap any chance I get. The lawns won't mow themselves and the hedges still need trimmed; so I guess I'll get off my phone and quit blogging and get my tail to work!