Sailing

Bryan can be romantic with a little push. He surprised me with our first sailing trip on a pirate ship on the Galveston gulf. It was very exciting, especially when you discover the boat naturally tips to the side. Didn't know that. I still haven't figured out the how the boat doesn't tip all the way over though.

It was a pretty windy day. I am just glad I didn't get sea sick because it was pretty bumpy. I have a tendency to get motion sick when watching 3D movies, reading in the car, and riding helicopters.
We saw a bunch of dolphins, which was a great surprise, but were never able to capture a picture.

If your wondering, Bryan didn't sail the boat. We went with 2 other couples and had a Capt. Kidd on board. He told me not to worry about the sail boat tipping over unless I saw him putting on a life jacket. Very reassuring:)

Nice picture of Bryan while the sun is setting. He really enjoyed the trip. He especially enjoyed going down below to the cabin. Apparently it was much bumpier? I knew I'd lose my stomach if I went. 2 hours was plenty of time to relax and enjoy the Galveston Bay. Highly recommended if your visiting the Houston area.

Here is a classic picture of the pirate sail boat. Loved it!

Beautiful sunset.

Fabric Headboard

This is my first (that I can remember) Do-It-Yourself project. I've seen a bunch of great results from others' blogs and DIY websites and really wanted to do my very own home decorating project. The website I copied was herecomesgina.com

I had a hard time picking out a fabric I really wanted. I wanted something feminine, but not too feminine. Mostly floral. I also wanted something to match the comforter we already owned... it's some kind of purple. Then I wanted to incorporate some greens because I love greens. Well, I thought the fabric I bought had a olive green (it does look like it), but it is really tan. The fabric is beige with dark brown, tan, and some kind of fuchsia. Bryan wanted me to paint the headboard because we bought really cheap plywood and it definitely had the potential for slivers. Plus, it makes the back look a little less "home-made"?
This picture makes the headboard look extra big. I am not sure yet on the height I want. You can either secure it to the wall like a picture frame, make legs with 2x4's, or use 2x4's to screw into a bed frame.

Now all I need is to find fabric for pillows. My sister offered to help me with this project. I have left over fabric (1 yard) for some fun pillows or art on the wall, but not sure what to do style wise. I was thinking big fuchsia pillows with some olive greens or dark brown pillows with small accents from the headboard fabric? Somebody help me! Kim?

Fort Lewis

Long story short: I am going to be in Washington State from January 2011- April 2011 to get my nursing identifier for Intensive Care. I was actually suppose to be moving there for the remainder of my Army contract because they didn't realize Bryan was in Houston TX going to school. This happened because the Army doesn't recognize Bryan and I as dual military right now because he is in the reserves or school. Therefore, they were going to move me far, far away. I cried a lot when I first found out. I talked with a bunch of people about what to do. My family and I fasted and prayed a bunch. Things finally turned for the best. I am coming back to Fort Hood after the course. I have learned patience and trusting in the Lord through this trial. I just wonder what more the Lord has in store for me in Central Texas?

Boycotting Firestone

I will never go to Firestone again. I had my car inspected at the Firestone in Houston, TX 23 August 2010. They failed me because my check engine light was on. I went to the local Subaru dealership and they fixed my computer and told me to drive 60+ miles before I went back to Firestone. The light was only on because I didn't screw on my gas can top tight enough. I only drove around 20 miles, but really wanted to get my car states inspection done. I figured no one would really know. Well,... I still failed. The next week, I knew I'd driven 400+ miles because I drove to Killeen and back. Unfortunately Firestone's inspection machine was broken and they weren't sure when it would be repaired. I called every week for a month and their machine had not been repaired yet. I was worried for a whole month I would get pulled over by the cops and get a $200+ ticket for not having my state inspection sticker. Finally, October 2, 2010 I got my car inspected. Almost 45 days! They knew my name and face. They probably screened my phone calls too. I don't care. I payed for my inspections sticker ($40) and I wanted my inspection sticker! They shouldn't have failed me in the first place for a check engine light. At least that is what the other inspection places told me. So from now on... I am boycotting Firestone. Suckers!

Birthdays

Bryan and my birthdays are a little less than 2 weeks apart. For those who know us well, we do (mostly I) like to celebrate our birthdays year around being a "DINK" couple, but like to make the real thing a little more special. I had my favorte dessert, angelfood cake with strawberries, whipped cream, and Blue Bell's mint chocolate chip ice cream. My mom used to make this dessert for Kristi and my birthday every year, but with some type of marshmellow frosting. Yummy! As you can tell, I am enjoying my birthday cake. Unfortunately, Bryan had class all day (he now has school on some Saturdays and one Sunday this semester), so I spent the day relaxing and shopping. The weekend before my birthday, we went to a cute burger joint and outdoor shopping mall in Rice Village. We found this half price book store and bought a few books hard back books to add to my book shelf. I love adding good books to my book shelf.

I got one of those Kitchen Aid hand held beaters. Sometimes its nice to have the smaller gadgets. I have the bosche mixer, but do you really need to get it out to whip 2 eggs? I also got a package for laser hair removal. I received the present in early July because it takes 6-8 weeks between each treatment. So excited for the final product!

Bryan had a special birthday this year:) We went shooting at an indoor schooting range. That was my first indoor range. It is really loud. Even with 2 earplugs in. We opened presents. He got a cooling rack for all the cookies he loves to bake and eat, 2 plain dress shirts for school, an Oral-B electric toothbrush, and something from Lowes...he doesn't know this yet... still pending.

We then ventured over to Kemah Boardwalk, in Kemah, Texas. The weather was fabulous. No humidity and no mosquitoes! We parked in the free parking and had to take a 30 second boat ride to the boardwalk. Kind of funny. They should have just made a bridge that can go up and down?

We didn't do any of the rides, just walked around and enjoyed a fresh meal on the boardwalk. I have never had crawfish, so I wanted to try that out, since it's so famous here in the southern states. We shared a platter with a mixed fish, crab cakes, crab, shrimp, scallops, rice and vegetables, and a side of crawfish etouffee. In my opinion, crawfish tastes like dirty shrimp. Won't do that again.

I am pretty sure it would be awesome to do a cannonball in this school of catfish! These fish just wait to be feed by the 25 cent "candy" machine on to dock. It is absolutely crazy to see so many fish in one area.

I haven't been to an amusement park in a while, but they had those claw machines with Ipods and gameboy systems, instead of stuffed bears and other toys. Crazy how times change things.

I like this picture. Its funny. Happy birthday to the both of us!