jeremy and trish

big move!! (website not house)

2010-01-23T19:39:00.008-06:00

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well, we are offically moving to a new website location....don't worry we have imported our past and connected to the other site.

here it is jeremyandtrish.com

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updates

2009-11-27T21:06:00.004-06:00

We take off tomorrow to get hitched in Florence, Italy. An amazing, unforgetable trip of a life time.

We will be hitting up internet cafe's for the occastional update....check it the updates here...

jeremyandtrish.com

see you america in a couple of weeks!

the trip of a life time

2009-10-23T09:26:00.009-05:00

it's hard to grasp we are only weeks away from heading over the ocean to get married. time has flown by and we are getting a few things hear and there to prepare for the trip. just the other day, we came into some incredible deals on some of our must needs for the trip. i got the ski jacket i had been eyeing for a while (at an additional 40% off, score) and we found the coolest back pack/suitcase for jeremy (at a steep discount too!).Plans are becoming more solid as the big day approaches. Here is the ideas of yet. Transport to airport, to be determined. Arrive in Paris, lay over an hour, take pictures, get to say we went to France. Arrive in Florence and transport to the Hotel Monna Lisa a beautiful hotel that as fallen pray to my negotiating skills. :)

spend several days enjoying and exploring the city.

get married on december 3rd....possibly in the center of the ponte vecchio. :)

Celebrate having a husband and life partner that evening at a to be determind location.

Head out the next day by train to central swizterland just south of Lucern in a wondferful little town Engelberg, Switzerland. We will be staying at the amazing hotel with the most amazing staff (i have emailed and called them a few times and already they are wonderful and sweet people)The Ski Lodge Engelberg. http://skilodgeengelberg.com/

Several days will be spent here skiiing on a glacier exploring the country maybe some hiking, getting a drink at the local igloo bar. There are reports the fist snow has already fallen.

our last stop will be in munich, germany with a visit to the famous christmas market and meeting up with friends from a near by city.

departure leads us to london, england for a quick layover then home sweet home.

this will be the first of our many epic adventures.

The Day I Met the President

2009-09-12T08:08:00.003-05:00

This week I get a call from a long time friend, Paul "Shadow" Johns. He invites me to a special ride at the trail we built together, Oak Cliff Nature Preserve. Several people around the mountain bike community have had the lucky opportunity to see & a select few ride with George W. Bush. Well, Thursday September 10, 2009 would be my day.

The ride was scheduled at three so of course I arrived in plenty of time to get ready. There was a big Econoline type van with no side windows & a guy unloading several bikes into individual stands. All the bikes were Treks & in very pristine shape. About two 40 that same guy comes over to my friend Paul and whispers, "He's on the way."

Very close to ride time, several blacked out SUVs pull up & within seconds there stands the former president of the country. Very quickly he looks around smiling at everyone waiving at us to come here. He shakes all of our hands & says "Hey there Shadow" just like one of the guys.

Without hardly any of us really paying attention several armed secret service people start doing their security sweeps of the area while a couple of them just head off into the woods!

After greeting everyone he gets on his bike for a quick check/parking lot warm-up & we take off with a line of security people right behind him, all riding bikes too. A couple of the guys definitely had some bulging goin on underneath the jerseys. It's kind of a surreal moment when ya realize your riding train is packin some firepower. Another very cool thing about his entourage was that all of em were wearing matching socks with "Peloton 1" on them, too cool! We kept telling him how cool it was to have those socks all match & how creative the name was.

The ride was a pretty good pace. Several stops along the way to let the non-riding secret service people catch up. Towards the half way mark they finally let me pass em & I got to ride right behind G. W. We talked just as if he was a fellow mountain biker out enjoying his "retired" life. Today was a duathlon for him, he played 18 holes of golf before riding. At several points in the trail most people wouldn't make climbs or obstacles & after seeing me make all of em he started calling me "the champ".

At some point in the ride we started talking again about the Peleton One socks. Well Mr. Bush starts to say, "Hey David, do we have anymore of em left?" "No, but we get a new box of em tomorrow." The president says "When we get back get all these guys info & send em some." Sure enough when we back to the trailhead David got all four riders info & said he would send us some!

To ride with him has definitely been a lifelong highlight & another great moment in my life brought possible because of a wonderful hobbie I couldn't give up in my pre-teen years. I met my future wife, the former president of the United States, & countless life-long friends all from the pleasure shared from a bicycle ride.

december wedding

2009-09-02T09:33:00.002-05:00

The tickets are booked, passports in hand and the day we will remember until days end is approaching. We, with family and friends, are departing the USA for beautiful Itay in November to marry in Florence. See the happy couple in the picture, that will be us, in that exact spot with the beauty of Italy behind. Jeremy will not only get to see Italy but Pairs, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and London (well, only the aiports of Pairs and London). Let me just say this, we are excited!!

the parking fairy

2009-06-18T21:03:00.006-05:00

Since the day of our first date, Jeremy and I have been blessed with a parking fairy. She truly follows us where ever we go. Date one, we discuss going to a movie. Jeremy chooses a Will Smith Movie (at the time I was not a big fan), I suggest a drink before. He proceeds to pick me up and we head out to the Old Monk, good beer selection and darts, iffy parking or so I thought. We pull right in and bang, parking spot. I lived down town at the time and it's typically hard to find downtown spots, not when we are together, there just seems to always be one waiting.

Tonight, Jeremy and I were celebrating his first day at Doctor's Hospital. His first day at work in his new career. We head out for some amazing sushi in deep ellum, bang parking spot right in front. Then we say, lets head for a drink at the place of our first day the Old Monk, bang one parking spot left in the lot up front. We have a beer and a game of darts....um and I proceed to let Jeremy win the dart game. Then we head home, hitting Greenville and choose to stop at Good Records one of my favorite places, bang parking spot right in front of the door on a night of a free concert no less. Seriously, I believe a little fairy follows us around and opens up the most perfect parking spots just for us.

good times at pk

2009-06-17T09:56:00.006-05:00

Jeremy and I spent the last couple of days with the fam at PK. The nephews are groing fast and full of energy. Always wonderful to sit and relax, catch up and enjoy the company.

Jeremy riding trials

Aleks "look at me, I can do what Jeremy's doing" as he does mini wheelies.

Luka dressed for the worse, bike helmet and life jacket. saftey first.

Jeremy let me bury him in the sand.

Luka had to get burried too.

Hells Gate, in the background.

Roman and Luka in the tube.

Eating some grub.

just a thought.....

2009-06-13T13:48:00.005-05:00

when we get married, we will do this (thiking northern italy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceYTRhV-qdE&feature=player_embedded

then we always can go back for an aniversary in one summer and do this in the same place...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3zW648ok-U&feature=player_embedded

change of plans

2009-06-11T15:14:00.003-05:00

the wedding is off! we are headed to Europe to get married, all who wish to come please do! location to be decided. here are some ideas. :)

dreams

2009-06-02T09:28:00.002-05:00

this morning i woke up and thought "i didn't get a wink of sleep last night" at least that's what my brain was telling me. now i'm not tired in the least this morning and i'm thinking i merely dreamt my tossing and turning night of no sleep. dreams play games with you mind.

idea

2009-05-28T13:20:00.002-05:00

rubberstamps.net, one is ordered and on it's way...can you imagine how much time i'm going to save not having to right each and every return address.

It's official

2009-05-11T21:45:00.002-05:00

I am done with nursing school. I got an email requesting my attendance on friday during the graduation ceremony!

This has certainly been quite a journey. I have learned a variety of disease processes, skills to perform the treatments, abilities to assess patient complications.... I could not have done this without the overwhelming support & encouragement of my family. Thank you all so very much for believing in me.

Already had a job interview this afternoon at Doctor's Hospital. It couldn't of went better. I didn't get an offer but the manager was discussing shift preferences with me, so I know that's a good sign. Either way I'm not too worried about finding a job, now that the hard part's outta the way.

Big party this weekend! Now I just gotta get my honey-do's outta the way (getting some stuff out of storage & cleaning so long overdue nooks n crannies). Today has been a day I'll remember for the rest of my life. I'm very thankful to share it with my future wife.

all for now, great things on their way

final exam!

2009-05-11T08:51:00.003-05:00

at this moment Jeremy is taking his last school exam ever! let me just say he was just a bit excited this morning....

arkansas

2009-05-06T08:53:00.006-05:00

We made a quick trip up to Arkansas the other weekend, it was interesting. Here is our trip in a nut shell, we drove up to Fort Smith area Friday afternoon, pitched the tent in the dark, met up with friends (whom were spaced out with various amounts of beverages), the friends had the "bright" idea to climb down the mountain, we eventually had to climb back up the mountain, returning to the camp I crashed and Jeremy with friends ventured out for another wooded adventure and a 2 am return.

Morning, 6:45, we were reminded that the event was also a motorcycle event. Who revs motors so early on a camp ground. Jeremy's bike was broken nor was it to be fixed by ride time. The day was a downer, until about 20 minutes before ride time, a guy agreed to lend Jermey a bike. YEAH! The skills were great to watch, the competition part was entertainment. Jeremy ends with a second place finish in sport class. We jet immediatly following, because Jeremy has his preceptership at 6am Sunday. I get the worst migrane of my life on the way home and we finnaly make it to sleep in our own bed. It was a weekend. Here are pictures of the 2 hour hightlight.

weekend post the madness

2009-04-21T11:30:00.006-05:00

You name it we did it this past weekend, all through out Jeremy kept saying..."i'm so glad busy season is over" or "I'm so glad you are home" It has been a long busy season this year but the second it was over we were off to start enjoying our time together, enjoying the sun and enjoying our life.

Lets start with Friday! :) I was taking off early, say around 3pm. Jeremy and I were going to swing by a venue for our wedding that was lovely on paper. We were only going to drive by, but it turned out the building was open and they were setting up for another wedding to be held that weekend. Beautiful, we imposed and was given a tour by a lovely lady, Michelle. She was very friendly, very helpful and all around great manager. We loved it! So, check that off the list. (note the date has changed in order to book this place, now Nov 28th). Oh and Roman and Jen this place is green!

After our tour, we headed to the farmer's market near by and picked up fresh veggies for our lovely dinner to be had with our lovely neighbors Ben, Elisa and Lola. Dinner was fabulous, the company was wonderful, we chatted and really enjoyed the evening with our good friends. We even got a glimps of their wedding video and I must mention the sound track of Tool.

Saturday we awoke and headed out West to Fort Worth. Jeremy had never been to downtown Fort Worth before (I couldn't believe it), so, there was an Arts, Music and Film festival and I said it was a must for us to see. On our way we stoped at a skills park (for bicycles) and jeremy adventured on the near by playground. At the festival there were vendors, beautiful art, unique jewelery, great music and great food. It was a wonderful afternoon to share together.

Sunday we went to Church in Lewisville then to the grocery store and were home by noon, what a great start to the day. The sun was out, it was warm outside and all I had on my mind was working in the yard. Jeremy's focus was on his studies (he did great on his monday test btw). Being inside so long, I hadn't realized that the sun was out much longer these days, not setting until 8ish. I was able to plant my garden, full of peppers, basil, tomatoes, squash and rosemary. Then I stil had time to fertilize the lawn. This is going to be a spectacular summer!

thursday

2009-04-09T13:43:00.002-05:00

the last thursday i'll be working late for a while. bought some chocolate this morning, ate some this afternoon, feeling the consequences of eating sugar right now.....getting very sleepy.

got some nice hot black tea to wake me up, only a few more days, only a few more days.

need is say more

2009-04-01T14:45:00.002-05:00

the picture says it all, ugh.

cross your fingures, through you karma in Jeremy's direction.....he is on the hunt for an exciting and enjoyable intership in nursing. :)

less than three weeks

2009-03-26T08:26:00.002-05:00

That's what remains of this spring busy season. In my business life it has been an unexpected and amazing start to the year. A great new boss, I can see the growth potential in my career again and I'm trying my hardest to maintain this, so far, great first impression. My efforts at putting in a hard days work is draining Jeremy, we are almost there.....remember the great fun and ample time we will share after one of the most anticipated days in a tax accounts life, April 15th. Hang on.

we're engaged

2009-03-08T20:26:00.003-05:00

A wonderful day March 5th was, both the celebration of Jeremy's birthday and the day Jeremy asked me to spend the rest of his life with him. Wednsday, Jeremy took my dad to lunch. He asked permission to marry me and my dad threatned consequences if he were ever to harm me. He had permission and could not wait to ask the question.

Thursday the 5th was his birthday, we had dinner plans as tradition with our wonderful neighbors, Ben and Elisa at Jeremy's choice Twisted Root in Deep Ellum. That morning, he had called Derik with initial plans to propose at the office. This eventually leading to a little panic with Jon and Derik, when I left that afternoon for dinner. They both thought I was going to ruin the event. Jeremy's text response to them, change of plans.

Dinner was wondeful. We sat out side drank a few beers and I enjoyed the evening of not working. Ben and Elisa have Catholic class and need to head home. Jeremy drives me home and after I say "hey I-30 is that way" he says "lets take the long way home". Which meant, I need to stall so Ben and Elisa had time to set the flowers and ring up in the center of the living room.

I walk in fist and see the flows and say "Oh you got me flowers, on your birthday?......oh there is a box..." I turn around and Jeremy asks me to marry him. My answer, YES!

Jeremy then receives a text from Chase "can I come by now? I'm around the corner" Apparntly he was early and Jeremy had to scoot him away for 20 minutes. We eat delicous white chocolate amarreto cake, made by Chase and enjoyed the evening with friends.

happy last first day of school!

2009-01-15T10:18:00.004-06:00

I think he may be a little happy about this momentus day! That and he had all his homework done, and was prepared! I'm very proud.

The surgery went well, the swelling has come and gone, i'm trying to be creative on the liquid diet and he is working on keeping his energy levels up.

Before the surgery....

and after with the wonderful nurse...

Holidays

2009-01-04T18:55:00.002-06:00

Hanging out at the skate park with Stephen, Jeremy's little brother.

Breakfast at home with a fresh cup a coffee.

Dirt bikes in Jeremy's dad's back yard.

My dad moving out of the court house into a new office. Even the stick plant which is about as old as me.

Christmas lights, already up and down.

news for the new year

2008-12-18T13:40:00.011-06:00

Before my head explodes with the mounds of opportunities that are beginning to take shape, i must blog. The Dallas office is finally expanding, the work load and responsibility is increasing, and Jeremy and I are further discussing our future. It is like 2009 is planning itself, right now. Passing the CPA exam in the next 6 to 8 months is a goal, which could inturn lead to a very nice promotion. Our Dallas office as finally hired a new MD for our tax department (meaning a long awated exponential growth for our department). With him will bring new clients, new ideas, new staff (maybe) and a stronger growth in the over all UHY Dallas office. Personally I found out today as well that I will be receiving a new division of State work, we are talking state work for all 50 states (a little scary). This engagement will be completely managed by me (meaning increased review work, responsibility and opportunities).

Here are a few pics over the last several weeks.

update

2008-11-14T14:25:00.010-06:00

the last of the North Texas Series was at RCP, I had a great race and it was a spectacular end to the series.

.....and my sister arrives from Portland to visit for an early Thanksgiving.

Solavaca, a private ranch with a great trail. The third race in the North Texas Series was held here at Solavaca Ranch. It two days, one night of camping and a great trail to race.

The first tricker treaters at our house. Jeremy road his bike down the steet to ask the non english speaking trick treaters to come to our house. He wanted to make sure they didn't skip us, then we took pictures of them. They may have thought us a bit unusual.

devil's den

2008-10-30T14:32:00.002-05:00

good times, and looking forward to going again! Next time at Angel Fire this spring, maybe?

what's to come?

2008-10-16T07:59:00.002-05:00

DEVILS DEN! That's what is to come this weekend at least. I'm very, very excited. It is a short drive north form some beautiful scenery, exciting downhill riding, and good friends. I've borrowed a few pictures from the DD website but will be posting my own next week.

A weekend of racing.....

2008-10-07T14:55:00.003-05:00

This past weekend Jeremy and I both had a chance to race. I finally got to get back out on the water and Jeremy raced at one of the hardest trail in Texas. Life if good. Can you tell that we are two competitive people. Ryan and I got Third at the State Fair Regatta, losing by one point to Kenny and Jeremy ended up Fourth at the Sansom stop in the North Texas Mountain Bike series.

race day @ Oak Cliff

2008-09-29T10:11:00.005-05:00

After lots of hard work and many hours of trail work Oak Cliff Nature Preserve held its first ever Cross Country race. DORBA put on race one of four in this year's local series. The weather was beautiful. The crowds and attendance were great. Trish had a good race. Had the holeshot at the start n got 2nd place at the end! I had the lead all but the last mile of my race and had mechanical issues that cost me two positions for a 3rd place. oh well, it was a fantastic day with tons of friends and good times.

ohh, and I raced in a costume:

Other than that, Trish's busy season is over! School is in full force for me keepin my free time to a minimum. Holiday plans are comin into conversation for the first time as a couple. Very exciting to anticipate this year's festivities with two families.

here's some random good photos

break from working to add a few pics

2008-08-31T10:26:00.004-05:00

a few pics...

2008-08-26T19:24:00.005-05:00

jeremy on the trailer, headed up the hill for the downhill competition in Arkansas

ribs with the parents, oh so good, just look at that plate.

update

2008-08-13T10:42:00.006-05:00

Well, it has been a while since the last post. I was doing well for a while but life spun out of control there for a bit. Let me pull the calendar up while I type to recap as much as possible. Went to the denist, all is well. Had my mid year review, pretty much the only comment was need more billable hours. I'm working on that, these days. We moved in and are slowly becoming settled in to the house. Most of the boxes are unpacked, those that aren't are stuck in the spare bedroom. Kitchen is getting some good use, it's nice to finally have ample counter space. The walls are still bare, not sure what to hang and where just yet. Actually I've been too busy to sit around and think about what to put on the wall. The grass is still alive, but usually dying of thirst. We haven't figured out a good routine to keep the yard watered. The sections in the sun are struggling the most. We'll figure something out soon enough.

Jeremy and I took a road trip to Arkansas a few weeks ago. It was a great trip. The 6 hour car ride was fun, Jeremy drove most of the time both ways. It was and adventure and a most certain reocurring event for us. The shops in the downtown area were fabulous. I found a piece of art that was beautiful and perfect, but $1,500. One day, maybe. Jeremy raced in four different events, one Friday, two Saturday and one on Sunday. He ended up taking second in the Omni (all around) category. First place was oh so close, if only the course was properly marked.....don't ask. We hit up this whole in the wall mexican food place on teh way home, it was so good. Anyway, the trip all together was fun, it was a great get away and hopefully there will be more to come if the same.

Skip foward a couple of weeks and we are organizing, unpacking and planning for the house warming to come and BAM!! Yeah, all of a sudden I come down with some wicked virus. Fever for several days, short trip to the ER, doctor vist, four days of missing work, being misreable and sad. It was unexpected and unpleasnt. Not all frowns, Jeremy did his best to keep me hydrated and comfortable. As much as he could, it was a blessing and nice not to be misreable alone. Forgot to mention on top of all this virus sickness was a strained back. Apparently I had picked up a box incorrectly, pulled a muscle and was in some unbarable pain for a good part of the viral sickness. The housewarming was postponed, to happen in the near future.

While sick I missed a road rally, not to sad about that one though. Jeremy left the house before 5am to make it to the start. Not to fun. The next one though this past weekend I did make. Jeremy, Derik (my boss) and I made it out to Hot Rocks, the road roally in Rockwall. It was a bumpy ride, and difficult for me. It had been almost a month since i've been on a bike and the prior week was spent sick. I made it though 43 miles, very slowly, but I made it. Derik my boss road along with me, his first road rally and he finished it too! An accomplishment for the day. Post rally activities are spectacular. Steve, a friend of Jeremy and I's, offered up his abode in Rockwall for burgers and pool activities. Rich, Inna, another Steve, Chase, Derik and another guy (can't remember is name, the Vancouver, WA hockey guy) joined in the festivities. We ate some juciy burgers with some wonderful potato salad washed down with several beverages. We floated in the pool for several hours, chatted about everything from mountain bike races, past trips, racing cars, racing sailboats, hockey and other randomness. At home the same day, a quick nap then off to the Gingerman. We saw a friend play some great music, lasted for about an hour at the G-man. The second my head hit the pillow that night I was out cold! It was a fabulous day.

Sunday was spent in the office for me and Jeremy taking care of his volunteer duties for the upcoming DORBA race series. The best part of the day, was when I came home to Jeremy installing the fan in the bedroom. We now have a new ceiling fan and a light up in the room. It was a nice surprise.

Now for today until the deadline, longer nights in the office. The longer week nights the less weekend time spent in the office. I'm back to the doctor to make sure the virus is gone and Six Flags this Friday!

Jeremy is working out some kinks with his school scheduling, soon to start his final year in the nursing program.

Life is busy and wonderful!

post office

2008-07-22T16:30:00.000-05:00

Jeremy can relate to this...

super mom turns 30

2008-07-14T16:53:00.009-05:00

With three boys running around the apartment (yeah, Roman you are one) and a possible third on the way (well this one may be a girl)......Jen still has it all together and is now the big 3-0!! One day, we can only hope to have kids as cute and blessed as Aleks, Luka and numero tres.......four, really?

sunday, sunday, sunday

2008-07-10T08:39:00.000-05:00

The movers will be here at 8am sharp and we will finally be moved! It's about time, work, house and life are non-stop!

moving along

2008-07-03T10:46:00.010-05:00

Just the other day I was made aware that 6 months had passed since Jeremy and I had started dating. It was a lovely evening out with some of the best king crab I have ever had (see pic below).

The house is progressing, carpet's been ripped out, nails are all gone and only a few staples left. The floor to be finnished (not by us) next week! Here are a few pics over the last few weeks. enjoy!

A most spectacular dinner, with little work and all you can eat!

Daniel, Daniel's brother and Jeremy.....I wasn't there but the ramp broke, injury incurred and discussion of a second attempt commenced.

Loading the carpet, we ripped from the hardwoods. A process that has convinced us to pay someone to sand and refinish the floors for us.

Picking up the keys to the house from the Title company. This the exact moment the house is officially ours!

What the front lawn will look like from hince forward....

This will be a familiar site as well........men in spandex ;)

Yeah, this was our painting help.....jk, Stephen did a great job!

home ownership

2008-06-23T09:54:00.003-05:00

There is a list of to do's, seemingly endless it feels. It will be nice to eventually call home, home.......as for now there is much painting to do and then the floors. The real world at the office is keeping me from helping all week. The boss is on vacation and the two new staffers are loaded with questions! Luckily Jeremy is here, helping with a great deal. Over the weekend we have one room painted thanks to my sister Stacy. The great room is now a vibrant green and beautiful furniture now stored in the garage awaiting placement. Pictures of progress to come.

one week from today......

2008-06-13T15:31:00.002-05:00

the keys will be in hand! insurance, title, mortgage, all is done......now the waiting game.

as the days go by

2008-06-11T12:58:00.002-05:00

The work never ends..........i long for those day in college, ones spent watching the clouds, work and the real world (aka stress and responsibilty) take up what seems like all the enjoyable moments. These days I have two staffers helping with things around the office and Jeremy does so much out of the office, you would think I should be having more free time. Cycling, sailing, studying, working, balancing it all leaves not much time. I think this a good thing. I think I need a nap.

house

2008-06-04T08:08:00.005-05:00

Here she is.....16 more days til we officially have the keys.

passing inspection

2008-06-01T08:55:00.003-05:00

Having the last inspector say, "if i were your daughter, I wouldn't let you buy this house" about a year ago and this year on a new house the inspector said "this is a great house"........ahh the feeling is great!

There is not much wrong with her, she is in great shape and only a few little updates to meet code are needed. We have room to remodel and update and in areas that will only add value: the floors and kitchen.

Here is one picture, i stole from the inspectors report but I will have more soon. I've got to remember to bring the camera next time. An added bonus, we already know we have great neighbors a fellow mountain biker.

Oh, guest bedroom will be available for those visiting from out of state and in *cough* *hint* *hint*

we saw bears.......

2008-05-27T09:12:00.006-05:00

and about 1,100 miles of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas in three days all on a motorcycle. It was an amazing weekend, the most time I have spent outside in a very long time.

It all began as a leisurely morning, well some what leisurely. Of course, an urgent project needed to be updated before the weekend, so, I ended up heading into the office for a few hours. With that out of the way, we packed very lightly and headed out to Grandma's house where a lovely home cooked lunch awaited us. Meatloaf, squash casserole, scalloped potatoes and corn bread, what a way to start a trip! Next, we were to pick up the bike and hit the road.

At first I was a little nervous, being on a motorcycle for three days. We hit the road and headed north. I'll try and map out our exact routes and post up later. At first, it was flat, flat and more flat, but as soon as we hit the some road in Oklahoma that cut across to Arkansas it was a twisty, curvy road. Fun for motorcycles of which we saw thousands out this weekend. We headed to the lodge, the second highest point in Arkansas, I believe, for dinner. Then off to Mena to find a hotel…….or we thought to find a hotel. We ended up making our way all the way to Fort Smith before finding a vacancy at 11pm that night. It was a lovely sight to see a hotel, finally.

Day two, we sleep in, and it's about time we got to sleep in. We were headed back to the Lodge again, for lunch and to meet up with the rest of the group. A late lunch with friends, our motorcycle group is up to five bikes and six people. Jeremy and I, his little brother, his dad and two friends Robert and Louise. After a lovely lunch buffet, we discuss our planned route and final destination. Back up north for us and on our way to Fayetteville. We take in the scenery and enjoy and the beautiful weather. Eventually making it to a Comfort Inn in Fayetteville to have dinner at a Ruby Tuesdays. Discussion of the next day or riding commences.

Day three, no sleeping in this time. We are up and down in the lobby for breakfast by 8am and out ready to hit the road by 9am. Being more familiar with the road in Arkansas, Jeremy and his dad are looking forward to a few roads in the plan. We head out with the plan to make it to Hot Springs the Hwy 7. The weather as spectacular and every motorcycle in Arkansas was out on the road. Twists and turns at high speeds, leaning the bike over just enough to scrape the pegs a little, it was an exciting and beautiful route we took. Original plans were to head back on Sunday for us, but Jeremy's dad extended their portion of the trip through Monday. As they stuck around the Hot springs area, Jeremy and I headed back home. A long and straight trip down I30. It was a wonderful trip with many memories. Looking forward to the next opportunity.

Still Hurtin

2008-05-07T08:31:00.007-05:00

the leg's still hurtin from last weeks crash. the right knee has begun to give me more trouble than anything. oh well, lesson learned and even more people will spot me in a crowd at the bike races...

TMBRA's state series is done for both of us. no more traveling out of town for these crappy mountain bike courses. Now it's all about fun times and getting ready for summer. gonna start ridin the trials bike again and possibly the dirt jumper.

Big family dinner planned for Mom's day. looks like it will be a great time. Trish, myself, her parents, my parents, her sister, her grama. wow. guess we're pretty serious, I like it.

ouch

2008-05-05T14:31:00.003-05:00

legs are still hurting, jeremy's knees are brusied from last weeks crash......no one should ever ride double lake, the stars game last night was amazing. that's it.

busy, busy, busy

2008-05-01T14:45:00.007-05:00

Over the last couple of weeks just a few things took place.........

a road race in Grandberry (much much fun, hopefully we will be doing more road rallies)

racing on a Laser SB3 on Lake Texoma

Jeremy's frist sailing experience on the Vanguard and on a very breezy day

racing on the Vanguard 15 at White Rock Lake (2nd place :D)

crit races on Tuesday night (Jeremy was injured in the last, nothing was broken, he is doing better and walking only with a slight limp now)

and last night we watched the Rangers game in a suite at Arlington Stadium thanks to Sandra, Tom's wife and Morgan Stanley.

A few pics from these memorable moments....

easter

2008-04-21T15:52:00.006-05:00

this is too adorable, a little late on the post but one that i just had to post.

hmmm

2008-04-18T00:15:00.001-05:00

It makes it hard to post a blog whenever someone is not aware of their password, and even harder when you don't have admin privileges...

but all is well and now I see that I can. more to come later (when it's not midnight) :)

I think we're made for each other

tax day!!!

2008-04-15T14:48:00.000-05:00

Jeremy learns what it is to say busy season. A true test to a relationship, learning to put up with the stress, long hours at work, lack of sleep, grumpiness, lack of attention and more. Hopefully a couple weeks, twice a year doable. The past several weeks of my life have been stuck in the office with this dude, my boss Derik. It's been fun and laid back, dinners at the Press Box will decrease and we will have more smiles on our faces. Notice the mess on Derik's desk.....you would think his desk is messy because of the end of our busy season but nope, it's always this unkept.

This one is over and done, and it's about time. Plans for the summer have been in the works and dreamed about for several weeks. Although a phone call today may possibly add a trip to Estonia, possibly to cause some adjustments. The majority of the summer will entail, cycling, mountain biking, being outside and ofcourse sailing. It all starts today with a mountain bike ride in the dark with post ride beverages.

outback blowout

2008-04-01T13:15:00.000-05:00

TMBRA race numero dos in Waco, Texas. The closest out of any race in the spring series being only an hour and a half drive. With my race starting at 1:30 in the afternoon and Jeremy at 11, we drove down early in the AM on Sunday. Bikes loaded, lunches, packed we were on the road by 7:15AM. We arrive with enough time to register, eat a quick bite and Jeremy a short few moments to warm up. Not but a short bit later, the PSE guys and experts begin to line up for their start. They are off and Jeremty gets a great jump on the majority of the group, off into the woods and three looooong laps to go. Zippo and I hang around the feed line waiting to hand off liquids in between laps. Post the last hand off Zippo and I head out to prepare for our race. The expert guys start coming in with some exciting last few seconds. Jeremy taking 10th place of all experts.

Now, I haven't a chance to pre-ride the course, all I'm told is it's pretty tough. You would think others racers, not your competition, would try to encourage and not scare a beginner. All in all, having not much time to ride in the two prior weeks, the up talk of the toughness of the trail and competitors lined up next to me a the start, my hopes were not the highest.

The count down happend, I took off around the long half loop of paved start lap allowing others to pass and heading into the woods at mid pack. One competitor, Katy I believe, whom was close behind during most of Bar H, took off and had a nice lead. Without letting that get to me, I continued and was there to just enjoy the race. Maintained a steady pace and raced a clean race. Down the trail it turns out, I see Katy in the distance. What a beautiful thought, not as far behind has I had thought. Keeping at my pace, I continue on and seize the first moment I get to pass. The remainder of the races is full speed to maintain my lead.

The race ends, coming out of the woods and a final sprint to finish. Not totally sure on the finish place but having knowledge of not being last place is nice. Turns out there was another beginner finnishing a ten minutes a head of me, sandbagger maybe. I'm excited about the second place finish on a beautiful day on a wonderful trail. Next up is Warda!!

riding and enjoying the day

2008-03-15T17:31:00.000-05:00

Bar H

2008-03-11T09:20:00.001-05:00

Bar - H, my first of many to come TMBRA races. Not that I know what any other TMBRA race is like but this particular event was a perfect event to introduce this beginner to racing. Back a few months ago, I was just riding for fun trying to get as much dirt or road, depending on the weather, time would allow. Eventually, I ran into and started hanging out with a group of riders, who were slightly obsessed, wait enthusiastic is a better term, about mountain biking as a sport. Several out of this group were racers, others merely enjoyed the saddle time and camaraderie. It didn't take long for my competitiveness to show and to be convinced to participate in TMBRA. This led to my arrival in St. Jo, Texas one Saturday afternoon. While driving out to the trail, a friend felt it necessary to keep reassuring me that soon the earth would open up and a desirable trail would appear. Cars, bicycles, people, kids, tents spread out all over Bar - H at my arrival time just prior to the mtb games. It was great to see the kids watching in awe of the air being had in the bunny hop competition and distance adding up in the wheelie contest. Several were out enjoying the beautiful weather. The evening was peaceful, burgers were being cooked on the grill and sun was setting. Later that night, I realized I've been living in the city too long and had forgotten how bright the stars get when away from the city lights. As the night went on, peaceful at first then tornado like winds picked up. I'm just glad the stakes in the tent stayed in ground. The morning of the race I ask, are they actually going to make us race in these high winds? Rain, shine or high winds, TMBRA doesn't cancel races, I was told. Nerves began to pick at me, oh no, what if I get last place? Riding and forum jabber has led me to make many friends, I'm up, out and ready to cheer several with good luck at the first start. All this and to figure out what I'll be having to do later that afternoon. Then comes the PSE and Expert guys, these guys are impressive but three laps, that takes a great deal of endurance, more power to you guys and girls. Later in the day, advice is given, you should have this in your water bottle and make sure you pre-ride some before the start, all very helpful suggestions and encouragement. An announcement it made, beginner riders are lining up and Sterling and I are checking out others back legs to watch for competitors. Eventually, after several other beginner classes take off, the girls are called up. There was sizable turn out, friends made in the past several months are lined next to the start line, still giving advice and words of encouragement. One phrase I remember "there is no smiling in mountain bike racing, put your game face on" Every bit of encouragement heard at the beginning and through out the course, truly did help with keeping my legs working and with making the race most enjoyable. With one competitor close behind through the majority of the course, my adrenaline rushed and I did my best. Post races with post race beverages, I met and made more friends and talked about the rest of the series. In the next few months, I'm looking forward to the pre-riding of trails, camping out, racing my bike, making new friends and road trips. Thanks to all, for all the support, advice and friendship. Bar H, the first of many to come. See ya'll at the next TMBRA race!

24 years ago today

2008-03-05T16:17:00.000-06:00

Jeremy was born! We are doing much celebrating with many friends. Festivities began last night and will continue tonight and on through the weekend. Happy Birthday Jeremy! I'm a lucky girl to be able to celebrate today with you.

work and play

2008-02-27T09:03:00.000-06:00

Work, work, work.....it's tough looking out the window at the beautiful weather knowing that i'll be working til midnight. Even more difficult knowing that Jeremy is out there getting to ride is bike! Ahhh.....but this weekend I'll have my chance. It's my first TMBRA race out at Bar H. We pre-road the trail last weekend, me out of breath and out of shape but good times with friends.

Being outside away from the office and time with Jeremy is really what I'm looking foward to this weekend. Get some sun on my sheet white skin. Oh, a misc pic. More from the race next week.

weekend

2008-02-11T09:08:00.001-06:00

A most spectacular weekend. Friday night, we did one of Jeremy's favorite past times. We went to a comedy show with a couple of friends. The first two guys were all right but the headline guy. He was awesome.

Saturday morning we slept in then Jeremy went to ride three laps at Erwin and I ran errands that afternoon. That night we headed off to a Stars game. My first hockey game with some incredible seats.

Sunday morning we woke late, then headed off the Terrell, Texas to Jeremy's dads place. Here I had my first lessons on the dirt bike. It was the coolest thing ever, I went around in circles all afternoon as Jeremy got air off the jumps he and his dad have built on the track in their back yard. That night we had some great chineese food at on of Jeremy's fav places.

It was a wonderful weekend as has been the last several. Pinch me, am I dreaming?

pictures to some when i get them uploaded.

TNSS

2008-02-06T15:39:00.000-06:00

See, I've just remembered a post I've been wanting to make. There is this group of guys, they get together every Tuesday to ride bicycles in the dark and drink good beer. Without this group, I may not have ever met Jeremy. Wait, I take that back. Jeremy and I were destined for each other, with or with out meeting him on a Tuesday night, we would have eventually ended up together. It may have just taken longer. Here are some pictures from a recent outing. Always great times!

Ketchup

2008-02-06T13:50:00.000-06:00

Yeah, I've got some major updating to do. Short and sweet. I'll add more later, when I realize what I have forgotten to add. I know it's not all organized and pretty but it is busy season now. Spare time is precious and better spent with certain special people.

First and most life changing event that happend in the last several months was Jeremy. Call it instant magic, a big spark, the perfect fit, whatever you call it, he does it for me. Does life get any better?

Now on with the rest.

Taking pictures for the ICSA Sloop Nationals. This was fun. Here is the entire album, might be too many pictures to look through but some really great shots. At least in my opinion.

Vacation to Portland. Visting my family and mountain biking. Borrowed a bike, a Klein, for this girl named June. The mountain biking bug had really bitten me riding on the trails in Scappoose, Oregon (ha, I most likely still pronouce that incorrectly). The trails were most amazing and my newphews are most amazing.

The deal of a life time was made and I ended up purchasing two Litespeeds. There is not on right minded person that would have passed on this deal.

My first mountain bike race at Sansom. The Frozen Four Hour with Cope (Vic). Ummm...I ended up cutting the couse (not on purpose) and we got DQ'd sorry Cope.

Yo-Yo's with friends and Dave and Busters.

New Years with friends.

New Years Day ride with Jeremy at Tyler State Park

Jeremy graciously came out and did race committee for the Pflounder series. He also too some post awesome photos.

Here she is.....

2007-10-02T15:33:00.000-05:00

We unloaded them off the semi this moring.....Oh, and I promise to post a longer story about what's been going on soon!! Because there has been all kinds of things going on here in Dallas, wonderful things!

Healther's Home

2007-09-13T09:05:00.000-05:00

Had to post this, too busy at work right now to say much, will post better blog next week, promise.

Let just say, next year I want a piece of land so I can build one of these on it!!

Read more about why here Heather's Home

living life

2007-08-03T07:24:00.000-05:00

It's been a beautiful thing liviing across the street from the office. You wake up each morning, not thinking about traffic, your not in a hurry to get ready, you can wake up early or get in an extra hour of sleep. The people I've met in the area are fabulous. Today is Friday and I haven't been in my car since this past Saturday, it's a little werid but wonderful! I'm moved completely in, I've unpacked, bought a bed and really love life at the moment. If you have already figured that out from my last few posts.

Click here to see more pictures
The fall busy season has offically started. I'm working in every free moment. I've had such an amazing summer, my work load has piled up. I've also become addicted to AIMing people. All day long, sometimes.

downtown dallas

2007-07-24T07:51:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note....Yesterday I felt like I was in Portland. Roman and Jennifer would be so proud, I think. As most may know, I moved into a loft in downtown Dallas this past weekend. Thank you Momma, Daddy and Stacy for helping me move and thanks to all the homeless people that generously offered to help me move my stuff. Back to the feeling like Portland, well....Yesterday I woke up and walked to work, granted it's just across the street but better yet after work I walked to the grocery store that's about 4 blocks away. There is also the Dart, which is 3 blocks away, it will take me to Mockingbird station for shops, movies and restaurants.

This all just brought back memories of when I spent a few weeks with Rom and Jen in Portland. I love my new place and I'm going to really love living downtown. After I get things completely unpacked over the weekend, I'll post some pictures, so, check back on Sunday!

June

2007-07-03T09:13:00.001-05:00

Wow, I have missed an entire month!! Sorry folks, I have been updating another website, facebook. June has been a very busy and fast month. For those who haven't heard, the inspector gave me some not so good news on the house I was about to buy. Not terrible news, but bad enough news to scare me away from buying a house in need of so many repairs. Now, I'm on the market again looking for a place to live. Cissi my real estate agent and good friend is taking me out this weekend to look around the Lake Ray Hubbard area. Wish me luck!

Most weekends and even some weekdays have been filled with wakeboarding. Jake and Lindsay go out often and allow me to tag along. Also, just last weekend was the One Night Stand Regatta. It was so nice to sail in the moonlight in great breeze. Races started at 7pm on Saturday and ended at 6am Sunday morning. We worked really hard, sailed really fast, yet, due to the lack of newbies on our rotation, we lost. It was great fun!

Work is beginning to really pick up. I think after this July 4th holiday week, I may have to start working a few extra hours. Luckily, my office is such a great place to work, I don't really mind much.

Anyways, I'll attempt to not forget to post for an entire month again! Happy 4th to those reading my post!

memorial day!

2007-05-29T09:09:00.001-05:00

click here for more pictures

It was cloudy and rainy but that didn't stop us for heading out to the lake. It was a blast and again we were flying on the wakeboards and on the tube. Jake did great at hitting the waves just right to launch Ryan, Lindsay and I out of the water while on the tube. There will be some cool video footage posted soon, so check back. Ryan's back flip off the tube while in motion is a cool clip and we have a great shot of one of our crashes. The end to the day was with some great mexican food, thanks Cissi for dinner!!

weekend

2007-05-21T10:48:00.001-05:00

What a great weekend!! First, Friday evening started up with Rachel coming into town, we had dinner and drinks out then we headed to Bell Bottoms were we saw the greatest 80's cover band ever, The Spazmatics!! Brings back memories of The Scout bar back when I lived with Rachel. I'll post some videos later.

Next, Saturday morning and the first Annual Office Dwellers vs. Cube Dwellers basketball tournament. There were great pictures and a very entertaining three games. The Cube Dwellers dominated and won all the games.
click here for more basketball pictures

Then Saturday evening was my first time and many to come vists to the House of Blues. Rachel, Anderson, Sean and I went to see Ghostland Observatory, a two man technoesk band. It was a great performance and a great time with Rachel. I'll post some videos as soon as Rachel uploads them from her camera.

Now comes Sunday morning. Jake, Lindsay, Mary, Aaron, Ryan, Karen and I were out on the water for 9 hours. Jake, Lindsay and Aaron were flying on the wakeboards, Mary and I were flying on the inner tube, Karen had some very tasty beverages and Ryan learned how to wakeboard, finally. All in all it was a spectacular day with beautiful weather and I'm looking forward to the coming weekend and more wakeboarding days through out the summer!! Enjoy the many pictures that were taken!!

click here for more wakeboarding pictures

rush creek

2007-05-16T18:45:00.000-05:00

click here to see more pictures

to start off the summer and friday night races, the j22 class hosted a craw fish boil at the rush creek yacht club. we had 150lbs of mud bugs, 5 cases of beer and a margarita machine full to the top. there were two short races, sort of, and then dinner. it was a beautiful night and a great time.

at some point that evening i had volunteered to help one sailor put his new boat in the water at 8am the next morning. it turned out that it was a well orchestrated event with a crane rented for the morning. i wasn't to much help but to photograph the massive crane, it was pretty cool to watch.

this weekend, i'm back out to the lake for some sailing and maybe some wakeboarding!

bp ms150

2007-05-16T18:33:00.000-05:00

what a long, long weekend!! i never imagined 180 miles would take so long to ride. the only way to ride a bicycle from houston to austin is on a team with a bunch of friends to motivate you all the way. at least know i know what to do next year and will most definatly train more than i did this year. here are a few pictures, notice the 13,000 cyclist all in spandex at the 7:30am start, crazy!!

click here for more pictures

new hair cut

2007-05-08T12:59:00.000-05:00

So, I went to get my hair cut the other day and I typically don't have an idea. What happens is, I usually ask the stylist to do something different and they are all to scared to take a chance. Well, Kane, that's who cut my har, actually listend to me. I think I freaked her out when I said I haven't had bangs in many, many years. It's a good thing I liked what she did....

chinese new year

2007-02-24T09:54:00.000-06:00

click here for more pictures

A new friend at work, Yovi (like Yogi the bear but with a v) sent me a skype message that said "have you seen a lion dance?" I thought, hmmmm, is that a movie? She sent me a piture and said lets go this weekend. So last Sunday she took me to a celebration. It was the celebration of the chinese year of the pig with dancing lions, dragons that chase balls and red envelopes with money. I'll have to do a little reading to understand the significance of what we watched. It was pretty cool. Actaully it was pretty incredible, as pupetts with two individuals inside, the lions were very animated creatures. I took lots of pictures but the pictures don't do the movement of the lions justice. The little boy in the head of the little red lion was the cutest. He was very into the performance. He also go stuck inside the head a couple of times. Well, take a look at the pictures and go to one of these celebrations next year!

graham

2007-02-24T09:46:00.000-06:00

Roman went off to Estonia to visit family and had business in Russia for the Wild Salmon Center. While he was out of the country Jen, Aleks and Luka came to visit Graham. Stacy and myself spent as much time as we could visiting. Our nephews are the cutest nephews in the world. It was great to have them in Texas even if it was just for a visit. They will be back soon and we all look forward to seeing the Kultajevs' this Easter. Here are some pictures of their visit. I didn't take to many, I guess I was to busy playing with Aleks.

click here for more pictures

australia

2007-02-24T09:23:00.000-06:00

click here for more pictures

It's been a while since i've posted, so, i'm going post and pretend as if I had been keeping up with this thing. I won't back post back to December 2005 but I'm going to post some pictures from then. My good friend Rachel and I went on a little vacation a few weeks before that Christmas. We spent thirty something hours in travel time and that is each way. It was a memerable trip.

Now I live three and a half hours north of this once roomate and I miss playing darts, spendng time at boondoggles and playing pool at the ball room. Her and Jeb are the only reason I ever look forward to visiting Houston.

reminiscing about A&M

2007-01-05T11:31:00.000-06:00

I found these online and just had to post of few...

I want some chicken...

rock climbing

2006-12-27T10:48:00.000-06:00

neil, amanda, jim, stacy and i went out rock climbing during our christmas break. another hobby for me to get into but great fun. it was also great to be home for a few days, saturday night at vetoni's and cooking outside at home.

click here for more pictures

Out with the old in with the new!

2006-12-07T12:56:00.000-06:00

She will be missed. No more wind blowing in my hair with the top down.

and the much loved replacement........

Whoop!

2006-11-29T14:26:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving 2006 - A&M vs. TU highlights! Gig'em Aggies!

This is the end.....

2006-11-28T11:30:00.000-06:00

It’s the end of the year, I can't get over how fast this year went. Being on my own, I think I found a little piece of who I am and definitely became less dependent on others and more confident in myself. On the other had, this year, my procrastination and having fun outside of work has really slowed me down. I'm not sure yet if slowing down is a good thing or a bad thing. I have learned a little about how to enjoy life but cross your fingers on this December's promotion announcements.

I'm determined to figure out what kind of life I really want and to stop with the laziness. Creating obligations for myself now for the next year is a start. I've signed up for the MS 150. Let see what happens next.

p.s. if you would like to donate and help raise funds for people living with MS click on the link below:

http://ms150.org/edon.cfm?id=190518

......and yet again

2006-11-26T11:07:00.000-06:00

The world will soon know more about Trish. This time I hope not to forget to keep posting.