A Few of My Favorite Things

triathlon season

2012-02-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

Triathlon season will be here soon. I am trying to plan my year's events (tris and other events.) Here are a few of my favorites I am hoping to do:

1. Gator Ride

2. Kona Eastside

3. OKC half marathon

4. CB&I tri

5. volunteer Ironman TX

6. COMBAT tri

7. Clear Lake Oly

8. Brazosport relay

9. Redman Oly

10. 10 for TX 10 miler

favorite dinners

2012-01-31T16:52:00.000-08:00

When it comes to cooking dinner every day, here are a few of my favorite requirements:

1. easy

2. healthy

3. cheap

4. good nutritional value

5. tastes good

6. everyone likes it

7. ingredients readily available/easily obtained

8. makes enough for leftovers

9. family wants it again

10. easy clean up

iPhone

2012-01-16T17:58:00.001-08:00

I finally got an iPhone. Never mind that it's my husband's old cast off 3g. I probably don't need much more than that. I've enjoyed using it. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. text messages

2. words

3. hanging

4. maps

5. fitness apps

6. weather

7. camera

8. sending photos

9. music

10. to do list

back to the routine

2012-01-06T17:07:00.000-08:00

While I am not particularly fond of my kids going off to school, I do have to say there are some things I like about getting back to the routine. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. earlier to bed

2. regular dinner times

3. quieter evenings

4. less people in and out

5. easier to stick to schedule

6. healthier meals

7. quieter neighborhood

8. getting things done

9. I just like routines

10. looking forward to the next holiday

Best Christmas

2011-12-30T14:35:00.000-08:00

My daughter says this is maybe the Best Christmas. I think it's because everyone got just what they wanted. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. books

2. movie

3. pillow

4. pillow cases

5. socks

6. photos

7. wetsuit!

8. gift cards

9. house shoes

10. money

Christmas lists

2011-12-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

I am pretty much done with all my Christmas shopping. I think all I have left are the stocking stuffers and homemade items. I am excited to be giving some good gifts this year. I will list a few of my favorites at the risk of giving away the surprises!

1. something my husband needs for his next Ironman

2. photos of my husband's first Ironman

3. Groupon for something my husband has been wanting to try

4. jeans

5. Polo shirt

6. Nike socks

7. books

8. bread and hot cocoa mix

9. tool kits

10. fuzzy socks

remodeling

2011-12-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

I am so glad our remodeling project is (nearly) over! Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. the old paper is down!

2. bright fresh new paint

3. I learned how to use the sander

4. I learned how to paint the trim with very minor mistakes!

5. the room looks much brighter/lighter

6. clean!!

7. we finished in a week

8. new accessories

9. we did it ourselves (saved money)

10. motivated/know we can do future projects

Ironman

2011-11-27T20:41:00.000-08:00

My husband finished his first Ironman triathlon last weekend. I am so proud of him and so happy I was able to join him on race day. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. we flew

2. seeing the Ironman village

3. volunteering for the event

4. seeing and learning so much through volunteering

5. getting to be at the finish line when he crossed

6. seeing his happiness

7. sharing the event with family (his aunt and her cousin finished the triathlon as well, and his mother was able to go to the event with us too)

8. getting to meet some of his extended family

9. getting pumped up to do my own tri's. an ironman one day? we'll have to wait and see....

10. all the support and encouragement from our tri team

neighborhood play days

2011-11-05T18:38:00.001-07:00

There are a few things I like about neighborhood play days. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. means the weather is nice

2. encourages family interaction

3. encourages intergenerational interaction

4. kids of all ages play together

5. teamwork

6. encouragement

7. social skills

8. exercise

9. modeling behavior

10. fun!

triathlon relay

2011-10-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today I was part of a triathlon relay team. I did the swim portion. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. first leg of event

2. I have a wetsuit

3. I beat my goal time

4. not having to save any of my energy

5. not having to pack as much stuff

6. more relaxed

7. able to leave event early

8. getting all the swag for 1/3 of the event

9. making it to church on time

10. getting second in our relay division!

church lunch

2011-10-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

I am not always crazy about church pot luck luncheons. But today here were a few of my favorites:

1. soup

2. strawberry spinach salad

3. roasted chicken

4. quinoa and chicken w/ cranberries and white raisins

5. gingerbread pumpkin trifle

6. iced tea

7. lots of choices

8. did not bring home too many leftovers

9. used a few things for feeding youth group

10. not another one for a while!

rainy sunday

2011-10-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a LONG time since it rained all day. Today it finally did. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. the ground needed the water

2. cool weather

3. still able to get my bike ride done indoors on the trainer

4. hopefully wash away some of the pollen

5. maybe cooler weather will stay

6. nice day for a nap

7. things nice and quiet and relaxing

8. hopefully bring some drought relief

9. good blog topic

10. relief for plants and animals

Redman Triathlon:Volunteer

2011-10-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

I had a good time volunteering at the Redman Triathlon last weekend. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. seeing my son

2. cheering on my husband

3. cheering on his relatives

4. learning things to help triathletes

5. working in transition

6. seeing all aspects of the race

7. giving my husband a kiss as he ran out to begin his half marathon

8. beautiful weather

9. hearing my husband's name announced as he finished with a great time

10. looking forward to my first 70.3

visit

2011-09-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

My son came home from college for the first time this weekend. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. hugs and kisses

2. laughter

3. good news

4. new laptop

5. hearing all about school

6. spoiling with good food

7. lots of dessert

8. heading back in time for activities

9. safe travels

10. looking forward to the next time

menu planning

2011-09-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get back on the weekly meal menu planning boat. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. organized

2. making shopping list easier

3. saves time

4. saves money

5. don't have to decide last minute what to cook

6. rearranging meals is easy

7. easy to get meals prepped early in day

8. if menu is posted, people don't have to ask what's for dinner

9. and if they don't like it can complain to the list instead of the chef

10. things really do go much more smoothly when the meals are pre-planned and ingredients bought

2011-09-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

The weather has cooled off a bit bringing some welcome relief and thoughts of fall. Here are a few of my fall favorites:

1. cooler weather

2. smells

3. caramel popcorn

4. gingerbread

5. kids in costumes

6. trick or treating

7. less humidity

8. outdoor activities

9. caramel apples

10. leaves

Crichton Novels

2011-08-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

While I have recently gotten into Michael Crichton novels, I thought I would try to list my favorites, or at least some that I still want to read:

1. Prey

2. Sphere

3. The Great Train Robbery

4. The Andromeda Strain

5. Next

6. Disclosure

7. State of Fear

8. Timeline

9. Rising Sun

10. Airframe (not read yet!)

depressive moods

2011-08-24T19:31:00.001-07:00

When depression hits, which seems to have become a staple in our household!, here are a few of my favorite strategies to deal with it:

1. exercise

2. read

3. watch tv

4. blog

5. play online games

6. write

7. cry

8. scream

9. a general vent

10. eat chocolate

off to college

2011-08-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

In just one week our son is off to college. I am very ambivalent about the whole thing. But I will try to list a few of my favorite things:

1. shopping for dorm supplies

2. the excitement

3. going to a good school

4. getting some good tools (laptop, phone)

5. friends going there

6. looking ahead to the new start

7. growing up

8. relief of tensions

9. ..........

10. .........

Wimberley, TX

2011-07-19T19:06:00.001-07:00

We just got back from a long weekend in Wimberley. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. peace

2. quiet

3. away from it all

4. the pool right outside our door

5. privacy

6. all natural snow cones

7. The Root Cellar

8. the salad medley at Linda's

9. the desserts at Linda's

10. being with my husband

(This one is written by Linda, the owner of the best place we ate in town!)

camp cook

2011-07-13T19:57:00.001-07:00

While it is a daunting task, here are a few of my favorite things about being camp cook:

1. staying "behind the scenes"

2. staying in our own cabin

3. planning the menu

4. having a great team

5. learning new ideas

6. learning new cooking tips/ideas

7. trying new things

8. most everything worked out ok

9. making new friends

10. when we are done!

hair cut

2011-06-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

I always feel better after getting my hair cut. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. fresh feeling

2. she always does it the way I want

3. she always makes me look good

4. just feels better

5. the shampoo/scalp massage

6. being a little pampered

7. a little oasis in a busy day

8. cleaning up the look

9. looking at different hairstyles

10. learning about new products

reconnect

2011-06-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

We were able to reconnect with a friend this week. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. catching up with each other

2. seeing how good he is doing

3. a nice dinner together

4. job opportunity for my son

5. catching up on extended families

6. knowing it's a good role model for my kids

7. the baby did not even cry (she usually does around guys she doesn't know)

8. nice memories

9. happy thoughts

10. hope for future

week alone

2011-06-17T20:20:00.001-07:00

I recently had a week alone. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. sleep whenever I want

2. eat whatever I want

3. eat whenever I want

4. not much cooking

5. workout whenever I want

6. reading

7. playing on computer

8. quiet

9. phone calls

10. coming home soon

failure

2011-06-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

There are some things that were so important to me. Even though I failed at them, here are a few:

1. respect

2. modesty

3. daily bible reading

4. obedience

5. friends

6. healthy eating

7. cleanliness

8. tv/movies

9. music

10. friendship

Combat Tri

2011-05-31T19:57:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorite things about a long standing local triathlon:

1. close to home

2. Saturday event

3. affordable

4. shorter distance

5. fun!

6. doing it with husband and friends

7. seeing improvements from year to year

8. meeting new team mates

9. only one or two people passed me on the swim

10. getting fifth place in my age group

7 year old birthday

2011-05-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

My young friend turns 7 tomorrow. Here are a few of my favorite things in regard to his special day:

1. trying to find just the right gifts for him-a budding geologist

2. finding geodes for him to crack

3. hoping that they will have some crystals inside

4. and hoping they are not too hard to crack

5. trying to grow my own rock candy; a good idea but only a small layer formed on top

6. my mom finding some pre-made rock candy at a gas station

7. finding pop rocks

8. making a "You Rock" card

9. hoping he loves all his gifts

10. delivering them tomorrow

graduation party

2011-05-11T16:37:00.000-07:00

We have been planning a graduation party for our son. There has been some good ideas. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. moon walk

2. snow cone machine

3. popcorn machine

4. making invitations

5. making lists of invitees

6. planning the menu

7. seeing son excited over the idea of a party

8. hoping everyone will come

9. keeping it as simple as possible

10. I only have to do it one more time!

kona eastside tri

2011-05-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

I was able to enter my first tri of the year. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. the name "Kona"

2. finally being able to race

3. the small size

4. small age group-not too much getting clobbered in the swim

5. nearly catching my friend on the bike (he had at least a 6 minute start on me)

6. feeling good on the bik

7. being able to run

8. having husband and daughter there to cheer me on

9. finishing 5th in age group

10. no problems with recent injury

senior slide show

2011-04-07T06:16:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for my son's senior year slide show. They are only allowed 40-50 photos! Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. looking through all the old photos

2. reliving good times

3. remembering events and people

4. choosing the best and favorite photos

5. choosing a song to go with slideshow

6. looking through photos alone

7. then looking through them with the kids

8. son picking out some of his own that he wants

9. haven't cried yet!

10. putting the slideshow together to show off

Oklahoma Christian University

2011-03-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

We visited the campus of Oklahoma Christian University this weekend. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. all employees are Christians

2. small student body

3. small, but not too small, campus

4. curfew for freshmen

5. bible courses required (including personal finance from a Christian perspective)

6. my sister's alma mater (and seeing her name on the missions map-even though it was misspelled!)

7. seeing an old friend

8. several other kids we know are/will be going there

9. the technology

10. they introduced the visiting TEXANS first! :)

therapy

2011-03-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have not loved going to therapy over the last several weeks. But I do think it's helping. Here are a few of my favorite things about it:

1. getting stronger

2. learning how to better help myself

3. able to do more of the things I want to do

4. learning where to go for help in the areas I want/need

5. making new friends

6. finding new information

7. taking care of an even older injury

8. passing on my new knowledge

9. feeling the effects of better health

10. it's nearly to an end!

morning ride

2011-03-12T19:17:00.000-08:00

This morning I did not want to go on our long bike ride. But I am glad I did! Here are a few of my favorite things from this morning:

1. good weather

2. large group

3. seeing friends

4. sunshine came out

5. wind not as bad as I expected

6. felt stronger

7. nice route

8. loved going over San Luis Pass!

9. able to do a short jog after the ride (found a "padded" sidewalk!)

10. black bean burger w/ guacamole after workout!!

Texas triathlons

2011-03-01T06:07:00.000-08:00

If I could afford to do all the triathlons that I wanted (and if I chose to do Sunday events) here are a few that I think would be my favorites Texas events:

1. Kemah (Gateway to the Bay)

2. Houston

3. Austin

4. Buffalo Springs

5. TriGirl Mother's Day Sprint

6. TexasMan

7. Four States

8. Sylvan Beach

9. Kerrville

10. indoor Tri

therapy

2011-02-20T13:54:00.000-08:00

I have been going to some more therapy sessions for my foot. While it has been very costly, here are a few of my favorite things:

1. working aggressively to get me well, stronger and able to run again

2. tissue work

3. running on treadmill

4. strength training exercises

5. heat therapy

6. stretches to do at home

7. exercises to do at home/gym

8. including work on an old injury

9. trying to get me out of my orthotics

10. working on getting me healthy

Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

We try not to make Valentine's Day a day to spend a lot of money. We thought about going out to eat, but chose to do a few other things. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. early morning workout

2. motorcycle ride

3. picnic in park

4. a few minutes alone with my husband (no kids!)

5. pleasant talk

6. free!

7. chocolate covered strawberries for dessert

8. taking more strawberries to friends and family

9. late evening workout at gym

10. a good night's sleep

college visit

2011-02-10T06:33:00.000-08:00

On a recent college visit, we found the experience to be positive. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. seeing how happy the kids are

2. pretty campus

3. attending classes

4. meeting teachers and coaches

5. basketball games

6. seeing the kids hanging out together

7. using the recreational facilities

8. learning about financial aid

9. seeing this is a good step for kids after high school

10. good church within walking distance

fun run

2011-01-24T05:47:00.000-08:00

I took my son to a fun run this weekend. Even though I didn't run with him, here are a few of my favorite things:

1. spending time together

2. he got free tickets to a pro basketball game

3. watching his excitement over the tickets

4. hearing his plans about going to the basketball games with his friends

5. free parking

6. he had a good run time

7. seeing him finish at half court in the basketball arena

8. a nice morning together

9. home in time to get some other things done

10. making priceless memories

18th birthday

2011-01-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

My son's 18th birthday was a bittersweet event for me. It turned out to be a nice weekend. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. nice mexican food dinner with mother in law

2. great steak dinner with parents, nephews and son's girlfriend and her sister

3. shopping for just the right gifts

4. finding the perfect cartoon DVD

5. giving the journal I've kept for 18 years

6. seeing baby pictures my mom gave

7. watching nephews look at the baby pictures

8. baby hat from photos given

9. great great grandfather's hat given

10. his reactions to gifts-priceless!

morning speed work

2011-01-08T12:36:00.001-08:00

I joined a group bike ride this morning. They were doing speed work. Their regular pace was my speed work! But here are a few of my favorite things:

1. riding with people better and faster than me makes me better and faster (so they say!)

2. late morning is warmer than early morning

3. safer riding with group

4. more enjoyable riding with others

5. learning techniques and tips

6. they are nice to stay back/wait on me

7. at least there is a pit stop!

8. and a "cut off" so that I didn't have to do the full amount

9. getting in a good ride

10. hearing that it really does get easier

Bridger Bowl Montana

2010-12-25T18:02:00.000-08:00

There were many things to love about our trip to Bridger Bowl Montana. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. gorgeous scenery

2. great weather

3. able to withstand the cold

4. family ski trip

5. watching father/son snow wrestling

6. seeing a mink

(no photo!)

7. daughter having to get off ski lift on only one ski

(no photo-we had to hold hands to do this trick!)

8. nice hotel

(suite, hot breakfast, indoor pool and hot tub!)

9. friendly people

everyone was friendly and ready to help as much as possible

10. priceless memories

simple Christmas gifts

2010-12-15T20:03:00.000-08:00

This year, not unlike many in the past, I am keeping Christmas simple. The gifts are going to be especially simple. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. books, many gently used

2. kids old toys, gently used or still new

3. $1 t shirts

4. gift cards I got for free

5. packages of tea and hot chocolate

6. a book signed by the author

7. homemade treats

8. calendars

9. warm clothes

10. lots of love

kids' sports tournaments

2010-12-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

After running my kids all around all weekend for their various sports' tournaments, here are a few of my favorite things:

1. seeing my son play good basketball

2. seeing their team win second place

3. visiting with the coach's wife

4. Jason's deli nutty salad

5. taking a walk

6. the shorter drive to my daughter's tournament

7. seeing her get to play in a bracket a year ahead of her

8. she seeing some friends

9. them losing so we could get home earlier for some rest and homework!

10. we get to do this all over again soon....

list of Thanks giving

2010-11-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

There are many things for which to be thankful. Here is my list for giving Thanks today:

1. long, safe workout/bike ride this morning

2. husband did the dishes TWICE today

3. son and friend helped with dishes

4. food prep all done before today

5. day of rest

6. pumpkin pie

7. whipped cream

8. movie day with family

9. quiet

10. family home together

old home days

2010-11-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

My husband preached at a congregation in which we used to attend. Sometimes it is a little nerve wracking to go back to places like that. Today was pleasant. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. nice feelings

2. warm greetings

3. seeing old friends

4. memories

5. my kids hearing past stories

6. catching up with other families

7. treat like "VIP"s

8. support from home congregation

9. sending greetings back to family

10. love that never ends

Red Cross Ramble

2010-11-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

We did another long distance cycling event, this time benefitting the Red Cross. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. getting in on the first year

2. small crowd

3. cheaper entry fee

4. well supported

5. nice route

6. great weather

7. riding with a friend

8. no incidents

9. feeling good

10. shaving two hours and ten minutes off previous time

Ghost Whisperer

2010-10-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

My daughter has a new favorite tv show. The Ghost Whisperer series is now in reruns and we discovered it earlier this year. I have watched most episodes with my daughter. Here are a few of my favorite things about it:

1. watching with my daughter

2. talking about issues that come up in the series

3. nearly always a happy ending

4. the main actors care about helping people

5. usually positive messages

6. marriage portrayed as a good thing

7. no cheating on spouses

8. small town life portrayed

9. teens often portrayed in a good light

10. premise that there is something better after this life

bike around the bay

2010-10-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend I participated in one day of a two day cycling event. It was lots of fun. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. riding with a friend the whole day

2. the weather

3. breakpoints every 8-16 miles

4. cold sliced oranges

5. stretching at each break

6. feeling good

7. making it over the bridge without getting off bike

8. finishing before course closed

9. a nice hamburger after finishing

10. not sore after the ride!

no plans

2010-10-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been one of no plans! Here are a few of my favorite things from the weekend:

1. staying in bed

2. reading

3. cycling

4. going to theater

5. hamburgers

6. chocolate chip cookies

7. four pair of shoes for $10

8. nursing home visit

9. lunch with nephews and daughter

10. funny video from nephews

day trip

2010-10-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I took a spontaneous day trip. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. spontaneous

2. time together

3. seeing friends

4. re-connecting

5. sitting on the back porch

6. no responsibility

7. full day

8. no fulfilling obligations

9. home again by night

10. she was grateful

British Literature

2010-09-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

I have made up a reading list of British Literature, spanning from Early English to Contemporary times. I made this for my teenage son to read. I have not read all the ones on the list so am looking forward to reading along with him. Here are some of my favorites I am looking forward to:

1. Modern version of Beowulf

2. A Modest Proposal

3. A Mad Teaparty

4. The Picture of Dorian Gray

5. 1984 (excerpt)

6. The Hour Glass

7. The Unsocial Socialist (excerpt)

8. excerpt from Satanic Verses

9. Fall of Giants (excerpt)

10. one book of his choice (from a list of choices)

swim plan

2010-09-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

I found a site the other day, swimplan.com, which is actually putting some of the fun back into my swim workouts. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. a new plan each day

2. I control the challenge/intensity level

3. I can dictate the strokes

4. also can input what equipment I want to use

5. free

6. can upgrade for $10/year (affordable!)

7. available any time

8. breaks the workouts into small pieces

9. takes the monotony out of swimming lap after lap

10. makes an hour swim go by quickly

rainy day

2010-09-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

It's been raining here the last few days. Here are a few of my favorite things about the rainy days:

1. don't have to water the plants

2. good napping weather

3. cooler temperatures

4. great for reading a book

5. gave me a chance to go back and try spin class

6. don't have to get out in it

7. there was no flooding

8. we have a new tv to watch

9. good for snuggling

10. when the sun comes out

released

2010-09-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have officially been released to start trying to get back to doing things I want to do following foot surgery earlier this summer. Here are a few of my favorite things I can start doing slowly:

1. walk without shoes

2. try wearing a few other shoes

3. take stairs

4. walk longer distances

5. jog

6. wear cycling shoes

7. triathlons

8. two things I can't do:

9. no high heels

10. no running stands/bleachers

insomnia

2010-08-23T09:58:00.001-07:00

When I can't sleep, there are a few things I like to do. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. pray

2. read

3. watch tv

4. drink hot tea

5. surf internet

6. play computer game

7. email

8. clean

9. eat a snack

10. get a head start on tomorrow's to do list

mindless activities

2010-08-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

When I have time, or even when I am completely stressed out, there are a few mindless things I like to do. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. watch tv

2. play online scrabble

3. read

4. play online spider solitaire

5. play solitaire

6. go for a walk

7. go for a run

8. go for a bike ride

9. go to the gym

10. cry

homeschooling a senior

2010-08-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

My son has decided to homeschool for his senior year of high school. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. he is out of public school!

2. only one year left

3. withdrawing was easy

4. I even got his transcript

5. going to take classes at co-op

6. going to take classes at community college

7. playing basketball

8. a good way to transition to adulthood

9. a great way to spend his last year home

10. hopefully he will be re-motivated

answers on the internet

2010-07-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

In looking to find answers to just about anything, I usually turn to the internet. While that may not be the very best idea, here are a few of my favorite things about it:

1. convenient

2. instantaneous

3. available 24/7

4. can find tons of information

5. can compare information

6. can find answers from different perspectives

7. finding answers I may never have thought of

8. answers leading to more questions

9. learning new things

10. private

23 years

2010-07-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

My husband and I just celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. We have a lot of good memories. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. our wedding

2. our son's birth

3. our daughter's birth

4. Disney World

5. 20th anniversary cruise

6. the beach last Mother's Day

7. motorcycle trip

8. working through hard times last year

9. Buffalo Gap

10. looking forward to the next 23+

a trip around the world-alone

2010-07-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

My son and his friend are taking a trip to the other side of the world. They are going alone! I am excited for them (if apprehensive!) I think it will be really good for them. Here are a few of my favorite things about it:

1. growing up

2. responsibility

3. opportunity

4. looks good on college resume

5. experience

6. get to see family and friends not seen for a long time

7. enjoy some things I recently enjoyed

8. many learning opportunities

9. life lessons

10. coming home again

getting back to normal

2010-06-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

I have been released this week to do some more activity following my recent surgery. I am happy for that. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. s-l-o-w cycling

2. light easy swimming

3. upper body weights

4. finally made it back into a gym

5. a little exercise rekindled my appetite (not necessarily good!)

6. went up and down a few small steps

7. not as much pain when walking

8. halfway done with physical therapy

9. no problem driving

10. walked around the block

tv watching

2010-06-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

During my recovery, I have been watching a ton of tv. Not much of it is really any good, but here are a few of my favorites:

1. Price is Right (though don't like Drew)

2. Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader (though I think some of these are 9th grade questions and I have seen some mistakes on here too)

3. Family Feud

4. Great Day Houston

5. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

6. Deal or No Deal

7. Ghost Whisperer

8. Wheel of Fortune

9. King of Queens

10. Seinfeld

after surgery

2010-06-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

It has not been fun having surgery. But there have been a few good things following my recent surgery. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. using the office chair to get around

2. my husband taking care of me

3. my son waking up at midnight to bring me my medicine

4. my daughter cooking dinner for me

5. my parents and nephews coming to play Scrabble with me

6. my friend bringing me some delicious, nutritious chicken noodle soup

7. family friends coming to sit with me for two hours

8. flowers from the church

9. the doctor telling me to milk all the pampering

10. the hope of getting better than I have been in recent months

garden produce

2010-06-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

I was blessed by some produce from my in law's garden this weekend. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. free fresh food

2. delicious tender zucchini

3. fresh yellow squash

4. refreshing cucumbers

5. pickles now in jars

6. squash in freezer

7. zucchini on grill and in soup

8. I saved the seeds from all!

9. maybe I can start a garden of my own in the fall

10. they invited me back to get more!

Oklahoma Christian University

2010-05-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

My son received his first scholarship offer from Oklahoma Christian University. Here are a few of my favorite things about it:

1. they offered a scholarship

2. they also offered a little course credit

3. my sister graduated from there

4. so did one of our good friends

5. far enough away

6. but too far

7. we have a friend who teaches there

8. already visited there

9. good first impression

10. a Christian school

new bike

2010-05-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

I got a new bike last week and have been able to try it out over the weekend. Though the color is not my favorite, here are a few of my favorite things about the bike:

1. the deal I got

2. helps me ride faster

3. my "geometry" is better

4. clip on pedals and shoes

5. the shoes will work for spin class too

6. probably no one else will have a bike this color!

7. more aerodynamic

8. gears easier to adjust

9. holds more tire pressure

10. finally my water bottle cage matches my bike!

teen birthday party

2010-05-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

My daughter just celebrated her fourteenth birthday. She just had a few friends over to spend the night. Here are a few of my favorite things about it:

1. no planning for a birthday party

2. kids entertained themselves

3. she didn't even want me to fix dessert

4. just a handful of girls

5. they all get along well

6. positive peer pressure

7. spent the whole day at the park

8. daughter did all the post party clean up

9. friend from out of town able to come

10. she can take five guests to neighborhood pool

Lonestar Olympic Triathlon 2010: the run

2010-05-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

After completing the cycling portion of the triathlon, here are a few of my favorite things about the run:

1. the fully opening knee brace worked well and was quick to put on

2. port a potty right next to gate

3. they moved the gate exit down towards our transition area

4. a quick transition

5. plenty of water stations

6. kids with water guns!

7. hearing all the folks cheering us on-folks in the crowd, my son and his friends, my mother in law, my new friends

8. fun, loud music

9. not walking any portion of it

10. my foot never really bothered me!

Lonestar Olympic Triathlon 2010

2010-04-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Lonestar Olympic Triathlon 2010 was officially turned into a biathlon Saturday morning due to high winds. Although we were disappointed, the day was still good. Here are a few of my favorite things of the cycling portion:

1. meeting another triathlete whose blog I read!

2. seeing lots of "regular" people participating

3. volunteering at packet pick up

4. feeling strong on the bike/going faster than I expected

5. being able to pass other cyclists within 15 seconds!

6. knowing what to do when I got a flat tire!

7. having ironman support finish up the flat tire change!

8. catching up and passing other cyclists after getting my tire changed!

9. getting cheers from people in the town as we cycled past

10. feeling like the 25 miles went by pretty quickly!

training day

2010-04-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

Today was our last long training day before our race next week. We had a good day. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. meeting up with friends to train together

2. meeting new friends

3. swimming in the bay

4. getting used to my new wetsuit

5. cycling 20 miles on the seawall

6. going WITH the wind

7. re-learning how to change a flat tire

8. seeing so many others out in training

9. hamburgers for lunch

10. feeling good after a long day of training

homemade enchiladas

2010-04-10T16:09:00.000-07:00

One of our family's most favorite dinners is enchiladas. I have gotten to where I don't like to eat out much at all. And I don't mind making enchiladas now that I've learned a new way to soften the tortillas. Since we just finished a batch of yummy homemade enchiladas, here are a few of my favorite things about them:

1. can make them nearly any time now that I soften them in the oven instead of frying in oil on stove top

2, everyone eats them, and a lot of them

3. have found a really good more authentic, although canned, sauce

4. it is MUCH cheaper for us to eat at home

5. they taste so good!

6. make a large batch, even occasionally have leftovers

7. they freeze well

8. less fattening to make them at home

9. very filling

10. they go a long way

spring

2010-03-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

Now that spring is here I thought I would jot down a few things I love about spring. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. warmer weather

2. greener trees and grass

3. blooming plants

4. fresher fruits

5. picking your own strawberries

6. birds singing

7. getting outside more

8. cycling outdoors

9. school is almost out

10. not long til summer

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

2010-03-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

It has been a few years since I was able to attend the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show. It is a pretty timeless event so when a friend was talking about getting Houston Rodeo Tickets to take her preschoolers, she asked me about it. Even though it's been a little while, here are a few of my perennial favorites about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo:

1. The pig races-NOT to be missed!

2. The Little Cowboys and Cowgirls rodeo-cute, cute, cute!

3. horse show-barrel racing, cutting, quarter horses, palominos...

4. longhorns-a true Texas icon

5. Agventure-TONS of stuff for the younger crowd to see and learn including how cows are milked!

6. Kid's Country-camel rides and a mechanical bull!

7, Elsie-the Borden Cow; don't forget to buy some chocolate (or strawberry milk) here

8. the carnival-the ubiquitous midway games and rides

9. cotton candy and caramel apples and nachos and sausage on a stick...

10. your favorites musicians in concert-from your all time favorite faithful country singers to the latest teen heart throbs, they're all here for one ticket price!

homemade spaghetti sauce

2010-03-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

While we were traveling, we sampled some of the best spaghetti sauce I have ever had. It was freshly made with herbs straight out of the garden. I tried to recreate the recipe. Mine did not come close but was good enough I will try it again. Here are a few of my favorite ingredients:

1. olive oil

2. onions

3. garlic

4. tomatoes

5. carrots

6. basil

7. oregano

8. marjoram

9. parsley

10. red wine vinegar

coming home

2010-03-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

I have been home all of a week. Though it's not so fun to return home after a holiday here are a few of my favorite things about being home again:

1. my own bed

2. my own computer

3. talking about my trip

4. looking at photos

5. learning how to make a photo slideshow

6. sharing my photos

7. the memories

8. deciding when we can go back again

9. our whole family being together again

10. spending time with my husband

marketing analytics

2010-03-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know much about marketing. I do know enough to know that every company needs to analyze how effective each move is and if strategies are working for their particular business. I just came across a marketing tool geared for business to business companies. It is aimed at helping decide if the company's internet marketing strategy is working. Here are a few of my favorite things I read about Roi Analytics:

1. it is important to determine if a strategy is working for your company, how effective it is and how it can be improved

2. Roi collects and stores website visitor data including original search source, original keyword and visiting company data

3. these tools and modules help you organize and prioritize leads

4. it helps you follow up on missed opportunities

5. customizable reportshelp you evaluate where you are growing and where you need to grow

6. learn which keywords are generating business leads to your site

7. ability to tie specific dollar amount to specific marketing factor

8. all you need is a website with at least one working contact form

9. video tour, live demo and consultant all available

10. the entire program is FREE!

airplane trip

2010-03-09T11:59:00.001-08:00

They say that "getting there is half the fun," but when getting there means a flight of 22 hours it's hard to feel the saying is true! Though there was not much to love about the flight, here are a few of my favorite things about our recent air travel overseas:

1. Singapore Airlines has a very nice, friendly, professional staff

2. the tickets were the cheapest we'd seen

3. having our own tv screen at each seat

4. having a choice of what to watch (movies, tv shows, video games, even the in flight path)

5. a choice of music

6. with eight of us traveling we had the option of moving around and trading seats at whim

7. the multi-player function of some of the video games

8. they will change the seat if you throw up all over it!

9. though the food left much to be desired, snacks were offered at least once during the flight and drinks were offered regularly

10. all food and drinks and luggage included in the price

Tour de Hood

2010-02-07T05:02:00.000-08:00

Tour de Hood is an inner city cycling group I just learned about. There is much to like about Dr. Veon McReynold's excellent program. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. open to all ages

2. open to all abilities

3. bikes are provided

4. helmets are provided

5. the group stays together

6. chaperones and a "sag" vehicle are provided

7. snack break of fruit and water

8. help in fixing your own bike

9. looking to add three wheel bikes for senior citizens

10. all this is FREE!

one share

2010-02-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

For our son's seventeenth birthday, we did not know what to get him. Of course, like any teenager, he wanted a car. Instead, we gave him one share of stock in a car company! At the One Share website, there are over 200 companies to choose from. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Apple

2. Harley Davidson

3. Ford

4. Starbucks

5. Disney

6. PepsiCo

7. Hershey

8. Tiffany & Co

9. Coke

10. McDonald's

Glastonbury Green Police

2010-02-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

I had never heard of the Glastonbury Festival before. I have found out that it is the largest music and performing arts festival in the world. They take their fun very seriously. They are also serious about taking care of the earth. They have even implemented the Green Police force to carry out this task. Here are a few of my favorite ways they do this:

1. using the Green Police as a fun way to discourage littering during the festival

2. encourage festival goers to buy tents that will be reused time and again

3. bring only things you will take home with you

4. using cotton bags

5. attendees will be reprimanded for urinating outside the properly provided toilet areas

6. making sure cigarette butts are properly disposed of

7. litter picking is strongly encouraged

8. more recycling bins will be available

9. teaching others about better waste management

10. using fun and humor to help educate festival goers

The Screwtape Letters

2010-01-31T18:43:00.000-08:00

We were blessed to see a performance of The Screwtape Letters last night. It was an excellent performance and there is no way I can pick one favorite thing about it. The whole thing was very good and very well done. So I'll make a list of a few of my favorite things about it:

1. Max McLean as Screwtape

2. the story of course is great and the adaptation of it is excellent too

3. the minimal set and

4. very few props

5. the feeling of being in the small theater

6. the eerie backdrop

7. the soundtrack before the show

8. the special effects and sound effects

9. Karen Eleanor Wright as Toadpipe

10. The prologue

miniature dream house

2010-01-31T18:25:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I hunted for a doll house for my kids. I remember one year looking for just the right play house (didn't really call it a doll house with a boy playing with it too!) and family (this included a moveable Little People family and Max, Goofy and their friends!) for my kids. I finally came across one at a resale shop. Nowadays, if I was looking for the perfect doll house/play house, there are some really cool dollhouse half scale miniatures to add to the perfect miniature dream house. There are many that I never dreamed would be available for a mini house. Many I don't even have in my own full size home! Here are a few of my favorites:

1. a thirty-six inch wide screen television

2. a mini laptop computer

3. a beagle in front of the

4. fireplace complete with ember & flames, fireplace screen and accessories

5. grand piano complete with

6. three sets of miniature sheet music

7. garbage cans with lids

8. a miniature fire extinguisher

9. seasonal items including a christmas tree

10. and most importantly, the holy bible

my new Mac

2010-01-26T17:17:00.000-08:00

I have had my new Mac a month now. There is still much for me to learn and play around with, but so far, here are a few of my favorite things:

1. large screen

2. intuitiveness of the computer (might even be a cyborg!)

3. iphotos

4. garage band

5. basic music lessons for piano and guitar

6. time machine

7. customizable dock

8. ease of booting up

9. ease of shut down

10. free workshops

sarcmark

2010-01-18T14:26:00.000-08:00

Since the newest punctuation mark is being revealed, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite punctuation marks:

1. period

2. exclamation point

3. question mark

4. comma

5. colon

6. semi-colon

7. parentheses

8. hyphen

9. ampersand

10. sarcmark

quick and easy meals

2010-01-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

I have several meals that I can fall back on when asked "What's for dinner?" I try to plan ahead, but if I am crunched for time, it's nice to have some old reliable stand bys on hand. There are a few reasons these meals qualify. Here are some of my favorites:

1. ingredients easy to find

2. cheap

3. goes a long way

4. easy to stock up on ingredients/keep them on hand

5. healthy and nutritious

6. tastes good

7. filling

8. everybody loves it

9. easy to prepare

10. doesn't take long to prepare

time capsule

2010-01-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

My kids opened up their time capsules this new year that they had put together ten years ago. It was fun seeing the things inside. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. newspapers from 1-1-2000

2. photos

3. handprints

4. predictions

5. lists of friends

6. drawings

7. party favors

8. lists of top items

9. adding some new items

10. closing them back up for another ten years!

training by time

2009-12-26T13:09:00.000-08:00

Training for our triathlon this time, we have been following a "time regimen". We follow a training schedule based on how many minutes we need to workout. Here are a few of my favorite things about this:

1. knowing how much time I need for my workout

2. not having to figure out mileage on running routes

3. not having to count laps swimming

4. having it already planned out

5. making sure we never increase over 10% per week

6. just go til the time is up

7. making sure our bodies get the proper amount of workout

8. making sure our bodies get the proper amount of rest

9. increase strength

10. last week of each month is tapered

giving gifts

2009-12-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

Lots of the fun of this time of year is giving gifts to some of my favorite people! In hopes that they do not read this blog and spoil any surprises, here are a few of the favorites I am giving this year:

1. volleyball

2. soda machine

3. jeans I bought my husband four months ago that he never bothered to wear. I am just re-wrapping them!

4. steaks

5. putt putt gift card ($25 bought for only $15!)

6. basket of homemade soups

7. leather jacket

8. books

9. requested clothes

10. lots of love!

treats

2009-12-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

My sister just asked our favorite candy. Since I am so picky and don't like to eat much of that stuff, I started thinking about my favorite treats. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Endangered Species Dark Chocolate Mint candy bar

2. Stash Decaf Chai tea, with milk and honey

3. Starbuck's Chai tea latte

4. gingerbread

5. chocolate chip cookies

6. chocolate chip oatmeal walnut cookies

7. chocolate cake

8. licorice peppermint tea

9. pumpkin pie

10. brownie

Thanksgiving Feast

2009-11-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is a big feast day for us! I am looking forward to enjoying some good food. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. turkey

2. cranberry sauce

3. mashed sweet potatoes

4. green bean casserole

5. corn casserole

6. pumpkin pie

7. chocolate pie

8. homemade whipped cream

9. fruit salad

10. is there room for anything else??

family night activities

2009-11-10T19:41:00.000-08:00

We try to have a family night at least once a week. Here are a few of our favorite activities:

1. board game

2. cards

3. watch tv

4. play a ball game

5. puzzle

6. bike ride

7. eating out

8. taking a walk

9. going to movies

10. going to a special event

Mondays at TCU

2009-11-01T14:58:00.000-08:00

I took my son and his friend to visit the campus of TCU. They host Mondays at TCU for juniors and seniors in high school. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. good parking

2. free breakfast

3. staff and student leaders excited

4. learned lots of good stuff about the school

5. informative break out sessions

6. free lunch

7. campus tour

8. dorm tour

9. department tour

10. freebies

Texas State Fair

2009-10-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

We went to the Texas State Fair last week. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. spending the day having fun

2. the dog show

3. the Vietnam wall

4. the African acrobats

5. finding a taco salad for lunch

6. watching my nephews climb the rock wall

7. finding sham-wow's for Christmas presents

8. the Marine Corp. fife and drum program

9. $1 bottled water!

10. seeing Mary Poppins

watching tv with my teen

2009-10-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

I don't like many tv shows on these days. But I have decided to watch some any way. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. spending time with my son

2. no arguing

3. good discussions that follow

4. free

5. good conversation starters for later too

6. he gets to see some things he wants

7. I get to have my input about it

8. something we can do on regular basis

9. down time

10. something to blog about

hair cut

2009-09-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

I just got my hair cut this morning. I sure needed it. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. quiet on a Monday morning

2. getting a new style

3. it feels better

4. it looks better

5. the stylist can make me look good

6. she showed me how to style

7. good communication with the stylist

8. she does it just the way I want it

9. made next appointment

10. something just for me

5 am exercise class

2009-09-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am crazy, but I have been attending a 5 am exercise class. Here are a few of my favorite things about it:

1. you get it over with early

2. our favorite teacher teaches it

3. plenty of folks there to encourage

4. start the day with a bang!

5. close by

6. something to do since I am having to lay off running a bit

7. I know I'm not the only crazy one

8. something to talk about

9. something to blog about

10. is there really any good reason to get up so early???!!!

virtual school

2009-09-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

So far it's only been a few days that my daughter has done her online school work. So far, so good. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. all books provided

2. many of the supplies provided

3. teachers assigned

4. I don't have to set curriculum or lessons (though I do miss this too!)

5. my time is freed up

6. she is learning scheduling, and time management

7. she is learning to adjust to the "system"

8. will be an easier transition if she does transfer to public high school next year

9. parents still involved as learning coaches

10. no tuition--FREE!!

Third Coast Comedy

2009-09-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

We attended Third Coast Comedy's anniversary performance last Friday night. It was lots of fun. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. being greeted by the actors

2. improv comedy

3. seeing the actors warm up

4. laughing

5. five of us sitting on the couch

6. seeing my husband go on stage

7. seeing my son laugh

8. karaoke night

9. free admission

10. priceless memories

beach holiday

2009-08-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorite things from our beach holiday this past week:

1. condo on the beach

2. no plans

3. going to the beach each day

4. putting up a tarp for shade on the beach

5. seeing dolphins-twice

6. eating dessert every day

7. time away from everyone else

8. seeing the kids on a jet ski

9. relaxing

10. getting home

fruits

2009-08-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

Last night we stopped by the store. We have been out of most everything. My daughter asked me what are my favorite fruits and veggies. Since it often depends on my mood, here are a few of my favorites:

1. strawberries

2. oranges

3. bananas

4. cherries

5. pineapple

6. blueberries

7. apples

8. nectarines

9. avocado

10. kiwi