T-T-T-Tuesday

-I ordered Abby's heartworm pills from 1-800 PetMeds a week or so ago. In all honesty their prices aren't that much cheaper than the vets; however, I was able to find a $10 volume discount coupon and shipping was free. $10 is lunch at Corner Bakery. We got the box in the mail today. They included her pills AND a dog cookie - how cute!!!!

-I tried to give blood today but was rejected because my hemoglobin was too low. Really?? I decided it would be best to have a cheeseburger for lunch to boost my iron levels.

-Update on China: I mailed off our visa applications today. I'm really nervous that I forgot to check the boxes on the 2nd page of my app for some reason. Ugh. We also get our vaccines tomorrow. In Bible Study class. From one of our classmates who is a doctor.

-Erin - while I was at the post office mailing our visas I went ahead and put your birthday present in the mail. It's going to get there early. Do NOT open until 6 MARCH! And so glad to hear you finally registered - I've been checking Target and Babies R Us for the past 2 weeks!!

-Apparently Ash Wednsesday is TOMORROW. I have not decided what it is that I'm going to give up for Lent this year. I'm contemplating adding something instead to better my life - like go on a walk every day or read my Bible for 30 mins every day - something productive that will prepare my heart for Easter.

-I hate ATT.

China here we come!

Sooooo change in gears from my last couple posts: Due to the economy, K and I have decided to postpone house building. While we want a new home and still feel as though this is an opportune time to build, we do not necessarily need a new home at this exact minute. Plus let's face it - it's risky, and we'd rather be conservative at this point than have our mortgage payment double and incur a ridiculous amount of new expenses in the form of higher taxes, higher elecriticy bills, new furniture, etc. Thankfully we are blessed to both still have jobs, but nothing is a guarantee at this point.

Also, we still want to play. And go to China. Play in China! We took the plunge and booked a 2-week trip there last night - oh my!!

K's friend Scott is getting married in Xian (hosts the famous Terracotta Army). Our trip will consist of a trip to Hong Kong, Xian, and Beijing to see the Forbidden City and Great Wall. I have to admit I'm a little scared. This is a regular occurrence before big trips, and my irrational fear generally revolves around plane crashes and in this case bird flu / SARS. BUT - it is truly a once in a lifetime experience and deep down I have a peace about our travels as I know they will be unique, amazing, and fulfilling.

We will be with the wedding party in Hong Kong and Xian, so will have local guidance and translators to help us navigate the city. Since we will likely never be half way around the world again, we chose to extend our trip and venture to Beijing on our own. Thankfully I have colleagues who have been to China and have recommendations on services and translators to guide us. They say it's best to hire a private car to show you around the city. A couple wedding guests have tentatively expressed interest in our extended itinerary, which would mean we'd have company should they choose to come along.

Our plan is to go to Half Price Books this weekend for travel references. I'm also very interested in learning more about the history of China itself so I can have more of an appreciation for what we see in each city by understanding the country's background. My knowledge at this point is limited as I hated history growing up and haven't invested much in learning it since.

So much more to come as we prepare for our trip! Needless to say we are very excited.

ALSO - I finally ordered my wedding album from our photographer today! Good thing we've been married over a year and a half...

Flowerama

Okay. So retro flowers as a new background? Or do they make it too busy and distracting, i.e. difficult to read the actual posts? I've been searching for quite some time for a new template, but have been unsuccessful. I'm on the fence about this one.

Also, I would like to add that the title of this post is the location at which K purchased a dozen roses for me for Valentines Day. I was kindly reminded that I failed to mention that in yesterday's recap. They are absolutely beautiful and I am truly blessed to have such a thoughtful and amazing hubby. I love you, K!

Valentines Day Recap

In order to celebrate our deep love for one another, K and I spent the day at the Ft. Worth Zoo for Valentines Day. I do like animals. Except for camels. This post will tell you why, for those who don't know what I'm talking about.

We saw the elephants, lions, monkeys, etc. I even made myself walk through the snake exhibit. I shuddered with gross chills multiple times thinking about what scary and disgusting reptiles they are, but I'm getting better, and was able to fake a smile and nod every time I heard K say, "Oooo look at this one!! Did you know that it's the most (insert phrase here, such as venomous, etc.) snake in the world?"

We even saw this one guy with a ridiculous camera. I mean seriously, it looks like a bazooka.

After the zoo, our next romantic stop was at Cheaper Than Dirt to look at guns. Ladies, if you do not have a husband that takes you to this store on Valentines Day you do not know what you're missing. Nothing says love like a couple boxes of ammo.

On the way home, we stopped by Central Market to pick up sushi for dinner. Might I add that I have never seen this store so crowded in all of my life. We're talking a serious mad house with not a single parking spot to be found. My theory is that people decided to eat in instead of dining out at a pricey restaurant given the lovely economic downturn we're experiencing currently.

We finished out the night with a viewing of Something's Gotta Give on good ol' TBS. By the time it was over it was 8:00. Thankfully Discovery was running a Man vs. Wild marathon with Bear Grylls. I went to bed with images in my head of Bear eating a huge grub worm open-mouthed. The last chomp of his teeth caused a massive spewing of blood and guts all over his chin as the worm exploded. Romantic indeed.

Sunday Summary

--Another relaxing weekend. Given our crazy travel schedule towards the end of last year, we've tried to keep things low key in both Jan and Feb. Part of me is torn - I'm enjoying completely vegging out, but I feel like it's at the expense of continuing to be adventurous. Although, when I really analyze it, we can be adventurous when we have a family, but the opportunity to be lazy with kids will be a rarity. Maybe it's okay being a bum for a while after all...

--Today I'm wearing my Nintendo game boy shirt - what great nostalgia.

--Lately I've been really thankful for my health. Gone are the days of Whataburger for lunch and Taco Bueno for dinner. It's true that you really feel invincible before you become a full-grown adult. BUT I will say- eating healthy is boring and gross. I don't have a formal resolution, however, would like to start being more nutritious in general, and I have to say it's the pits. Sandwiches with no cheese? Baby carrots? Yogurt? And who has time to cook? PLUS - Fiber One bars make you gasssss-yyyyy.

--I don't like scary movies. Not scary as in thriller only, but blood and guts and killing is equally as scary to me. K is watching No Country for Old Men while cleaning his guns, and I cannot be in the same room. Too much shooting and violence (not from K - from the movie). Stresses me out.

--On Wednesday K's cousin Dave came and spoke to our Bible study class. We're studying different religions this year - Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Mormonism, etc. We'll read material from our study books one week, then have a guest speaker come the next. When we studied Judaism, a Rabbi friend invited us to his Temple to talk about their traditions and beliefs. K's cousin happens to be Mormon, and was an excellent and informative guest. The series has enhanced my own beliefs and also made me more open to in-depth discussions with people of other faiths. Our class has been together for 5 years - oh how I love these people.

--I also LOVE the Bachelor this season. I have not watched since college, simply because it's embarrassingly addicting. I think he picks Melissa from Dallas...

--I'll end with a shout out to my friend Stan. Pretend like this is Face Book and I posted a comment on your page. Close enough?