It's a GIRL!!!

Was there any doubt?

Home Again!

The kids are home!
They got stuck overnight in Philly when the Houston leg of the journey was cancelled due to weather, then there was some luggage related drama, but all is well.

Back to work for these two!

Work Related: BUSY!!

I don't think I have eaten or pee'd for 3 or 4 days, I can't get out of the car or off the phone long enough. The highpoint was getting to show an over 2 million dollar property that has 6 1/2 bathrooms. Of course I still didn't get a chance to pee....ha.

Regular blogging will resume at some point, without a doubt

They Left on a Jet Plane

My daughter and her SO left yesterday on their very exciting vacation to Amsterdam.
Clearly they are having too much fun to send me a quick email to let me know.
THEY GOT THERE OK.

Not that I have worries but it would be nice to know that
THEY GOT THERE OK.

Chandra if you see this, could you please send me a quick IM or email saying you
GOT THERE OK????

It's not every day my child flies OVER THE OCEAN after all.
Love, Mom

UPDATE: They did check in with a video message from the Van Gogh Museum.
Sorry the update is so late, thanks everyone

Work Related: Home Office

I love working at home but it sure is hard to know what time to get off from work.
At least in an outside office, you leave and that's it for the day.
When you work at home all that work is just sitting there, and those emails keep coming in.
Not that I am complaining, I love being busy.
And I can always answer those emails during happy hour.
From my home office desk....ha.

In Houston: Small World

One of my favorite talk radio hosts mentions one of my favorite bloggers.
Too Funny.

The Apprentice LA: Haves vs Have Nots

It's kind of a shame this season's format was leaked out, because it may have been fun to be surprised with the candidates when they find out the losers will be living in tents and using porta-potties. I was kind of against this, because how tired will they be living this way and then expected to perform difficult tasks and look good doing it with not even a place to plug in a curling iron? On the other hand, the last couple of seasons teamwork was lacking in the various corporations so maybe this twist will pull them all together.
I'm not for letting the PM stay as PM while they are winning.
Heidi is already annoying me a little.

If you want to relive Frank's yelling and watch Martin getting fired for just being Martin, you can do so HERE.

The Apprentice LA

The Apprentice LA premiers tonight.

If you want a sneak peek, you can watch the first 20 minutes HERE.
Not only is daughter Ivanka playing a more prominent role, but The Donald's wife Melania and baby Barron also make an appearance.
We get a good first look at the candidates, and it's not hard to see who we will be having some fun with in weeks to come.

See you in the boardroom!

Work Related: Too Busy to Blog

Things are a little hectic after the holiday.
I have a lot of appointments and am a little behind contacting new leads as well as cleaning up my data base of old ones.
Rico did update his blog today if you are here looking for a little cat blogging.
I'll be back after the real world gives me a break, without a doubt!

Happy New Year

A New Year Meme

Melli came across this Meme and it sounded kind of fun.
List the first sentence of the first post of the first day of each month and make a story.
Here we go....

Happy New Year!
It's my first full day working from home and I think I will like working this way.
Just for fun, a few of the candidate's personal Web Sites.
Shopping: Belly Rings
Kitty Movie Monday!
It's June 1st and the official start of Hurricane Season 2006
And yes, the girls have grown!
13 years ago today we were married at the San Jose Mission
in San Antonio, Texas
Relaxing in a sunbeam
Happy Birthday Gelsey
Post Halloween fun
Just as the last day of hurricane season passed,
in came the cold weather.

It was a fun year, and next year I hope to do better but don't expect any deep thinking from this blonde, OK?

The Apprentice 6

NBC has changed up the official site already.
Now they have given all of the current hopefuls stupid nicknames.
We have Frankie the Mouth, Derek the Risktaker and Surya the Hair and on and on.
Oh Brother

The Apprentice 6 premieres Sunday Jan. 7th on NBC
BobbleHead Bash is up and running now for your gaming enjoyment..or not.

Passed On: President Ford

I was just watching the State funeral for President Ford.
Betty Ford looks so fragile.
Susan is fighting back tears as colleagues who may or may not have agreed with Mr. Fords politics tell the story of his life in public service.
I can't imagine having the whole world watching you in your greatest time of grief.
Rest in Peace Mr. President and may God Bless your family.

Wedding Picture from HERE

Shopping: Shake n' Bake for Veggies

I don't know if this is a new product, but it's new to me.
McCormick Veggie Steamers.
You put the fresh veggies in a baggie along with the sauce mix provide and nuke it in the microwave. We tried the garlic/basil green bean. The beans came out just the right texture and this is much faster and easier than steaming them. They also have a cheddar cheese varity to use with broccoli and cauliflower.
Good stuff!

Wordless Wednesday

Tummy Tuesday!

Tummy Tuesday is a popular
feature at LisaViolets Diary

Merry Christmas

From Me

And My Boyz

Merry Chrismouse!

The Boys made out pretty good too!

Santa brought a lazer toy, it is a BIG hit

Grandma sent some new mousies

Thanks Grandma!

Secret Santa!

I Played a secret Santa game this year.
My gifts came all the way from Georgia!

My SS remembered that I love and collect snowmen
Isn't this too cute?

She also thought of my poor tired feet

It's a foot massager!

Thanks so much to my Secret Santa,
Chi over at A Blog 4 Chilady

Christmas Around The WWW

The clock is ticking and children all over the world are on their best behavior waiting for Santa.

The NORAD site will once again be tracking Santa for those that want to make sure they are in bed before his arrival.

Don't forget the milk and cookies!

Jury Duty! Again!

This time my services are required in The Southern District Court next month in Galveston.
Should I not be chosen to serve on a trial, I will be on call for 12 working days.
Should I be chosen to serve on a trial my services will end at the end of the trial.
Do they have really long trials at this level?
I'll bet they do!

Graduation Day

I finally got the pics out of the camera for
your viewing enjoyment

Click HERE

The Interloper

The cat outside is getting braver,
but still won't let me get touch her.


I fed her by the door hoping to get a closer look
to see if she is a she for sure,
but she prefered to snack facing Rhett.
They have been having some major staring contests.

I think he is in love....sigh.

Rhett and his little friend will
be boarding The Friday Ark

Wordless Wednesday

100 127 Word StoryPoem

Ok so this started out to be a 100 word story for this week's 100 Word Story Challenge, then is was not a hundred words or a story.
Sometimes it just works out that way.

A Christmas Tale

Twas the day before Christmas
And down at the mall
The traffic had slowed
to a proverbial crawl

The pressure was mounting,
And tempers grew hot
The competition was on
For each parking spot

When what should my wondering
eyes did appear?
A car backing out?
The way is all clear?

I smiled and laughed,
This is excellent luck!
When from the other side,
In pulled a big truck.

He hopped out of the cab,
The big stupid jerk
Then nodded and gave me
A rude little smirk

The anger was raging,
My face was beat red
And visions of slashed tires
Danced my head.

In a blink of my eye,
He was out of my sight.
Merry Christmas Asshole
You are not worth the fight.

In Houston: Flood Zones

Houston Flood Maps are now official

"Developing the new maps cost $30 million, with the flood control district and the Federal Emergency Management Agency each contributing $15 million"

If you need to know if your property is affected, check online at tsarp.org or call the Harris County Flood Control District at 713-722-7227.
Or
just give your friendly local insurance agent a call, I'm sure they will be happy to help you out.

Christmas Around The WWW

Feeling Grinchy?
You won't after watching this, I promise.

Jingle Pets - A Christmas Carol Watch Video Clip

Tummy Tuesday!

Silly Rhett

Post your own kitty's tummy and then
run over to LisaViolet's and leave your link for all to visit

Christmas Around The WWW

A funny little movie with Wallace trying to make a good Christmas card while Gromit dresses up as a bird.

Christmas Around The WWW

Everything you EVER wanted or needed to know
about the fat man
is HERE

The Carnival Of Cats

While Rico tries to figure out why his Paw used HIS chair to block the hole RHETT made in the porch screen, why not check out this week's Carnival of Cats at House of Chaos.

You'll be glad you did!

(click for larger view)

Christmas Around The WWW

This is pretty silly, but thankfully short. I don't think anyone could stand too much of this guy. I almost didn't post this because I am just not clear on what that thing is *whispers* between his legs.

Busy Saturday!

We are enjoying our visit with Kelsey and Sydney
We had an early Christmas, since we won't see them then


They are doing some fishing

And playng with The Boyz



Graduation pics coming soon!

The Apprentice

Yahoo has opened up up their official site featuring candidate biographies and audition videos.

This years fantasy interview contest includes a chance to win a 2 week internship in NYC.
Also it appears Ivanka will be blogging instead of Bill Ranic this year.

Graduation Day

Chandra is graduating from the University of Houston today!
Pics to follow!

Christmas Around The WWW

This is kind of cute IF you can get the hang of it.

You will want to mute the sound, though.

Trust me.

Work Related: House Flippers

I'm so tired of dealing with these people that have watched/or worse purchased a program from one of those stupid infomercials about getting rich in real estate.

Seriously, if you could really buy a bunch of houses with no down payment, bad credit and only pay pennies on the dollar, those of us in the business would be rich already.

*stepping down*

PS: If any of you ARE getting rich this way..show me how!

Wordless Wednesday

Christmas Around The WWW

Play around with this guy's Christmas lights from your own computer
starting each evening at 4pm Mountain Time.

You can even send an instant message and it will show up on the webcam in his office.
Here's mine but the word Texas didn't come through
I inflated and deflated the toys a few times, pretty fun.
And, it's for a good cause.

Tummy Tuesday!

An old favorite
Baby Dumbo Rico and Rafe

Participating in Tummy Tuesday?
Be sure to leave a comment at Lisa Violet's Diary so all can see.

In Texas: Blind Hunters

That's hunting blind, not a hunting from behind a blind.
Never mind, just read the story

Christmas Around The WWW

Simon Sez Santa is back again this year
and waiting for your commands
both naughty and nice

try pick nose..hehe.

The Interloper

This little cutey has been hanging around in the yard, peeking in the door and hiding under my neighbor's boat dock for a few days now.
I took out a can of wet food and she scoffed it down.
She mewed at me, but was too scared to come very close .

(Click for larger view)

I'm thinking one of my neighbors have moved without the cat.
I hate people

Christmas Around The WWW

First Pooch Barney presented his annual holiday video this week.
No matter what your political beliefs concerning our current leadership are, you may enjoy watching Barney and Miss Beazley running full speed through the White House in preparation for the holiday.

There are some fun cameo appearances including Emmit Smith, Dolly Parton and the First Cat, Willie who looked like she had better things to do.

Shopping: Super Sucky Walmart

Ok, I know I wasn't going back in there....but I wanted to get some photo Christmas cards fast so I can work on them this afternoon and they have the one hour online deal for .40 a card.
Well,
They turned out really cute and I sat down to work on them just now and oh crap there are no envelopes in here.
I'm sure I got envelopes last year with my Walmart cards.
Darnit!

Fun With SiteMeter

Tis the season to be searching for a Farting Snowman or maybe you would prefer a Snowman Farting

The Apprentice Meets Survivor

The Candidates are announced here along with a few changes to the format

The losing team will be forced to camp outside in tents,
while the winning team lives a life of luxury.
The losers will also be forced to use port-o-potties
and outdoor showers.

Should be fun.

You can catch up with the prior winners (coming soon) and see the season premier promo at NBC .com

100 Word Stories

My entry for this week's 100 Word Story Challenge
The topic is "Rehab"
============

Are you serious?

I don’t belong here!

But the woman who thought she was in charge of all things Paula had heard this all before… and only shook her head.

“It’s for your own good”, she said, in a condescending way.

Well..

The only thing Paula hated worse than being told what to do is being told what to do in a condescending way.

“Give me the credit cards dear, you’ll feel a lot better”, she sneered.

Paula quickly exited, leaving the now bloodied scissors on the floor behind her.

Shopping Addiction Rehab?

Shopping is what makes her feel better!

==========================
The 100 Word Story Challenge is posted every Saturday at
http://podcasting.isfullofcrap.com/
So go give a listen and vote for your favorites

If you would like to have a try at writing your own story that is exactly 100 words, next week's topic is "Monkey Business"

Astros: NO he didn't!

Ok, yes he DID!

Night Court

So last night was my jury duty at municipal court.

We were to report at 6pm.
I got there about 10 minutes til and there was a long line of jurors checking in.

We were given the required information, then seated in the order in which we arrived and court began.

First the judge called from his list all the people that did not require or request a jury trial.
Mostly people were asking to take driver courses for tickets
Why can't they do this part in the daytime?

Then the bailiff announced there was to be 3 trials and the panels of 15 for each trial were determined at random, in the order we were seated. The first 6 in each group that were not stricken by either side would serve.
Excuse ME?
The order we are seated is the order we arrived, that is NOT random.

So...Basically if you were on time and sitting with in the first 45 seats you were on a panel.
If you were late, you got sent home.

Well, I was seated 12th in the second group, so had to sit through the entire first trial (because we only have the one courtroom) knowing it was unlikely that I would have to serve at all.

So to make a long story short, I did not get on the jury and was sent home around 8:15pm.
AND
Next time, I will know to be late for jury duty.

Friday Cat Blogging:Rico In A Moonbeam

The best of the pet bloggers are boarding the Friday Ark and
Sunday it's all cats at the Carnival of Cats hosted this week
at House of the (mostly) Black Cats.
See you there!

Work Related: They Want...what They Want!

I had a new client come in through the website today and sent her a quick email offering my assistance with her home search.
This was her reply:

I'm only looking at the kitchens.
I love to cook.
These kitchens are too small.
I want
cabinets, cabinets, cabinets...:)

Hey, Maybe if I find her the right house she will make me dinner!

A sad sad day

Cat bloggers all over the world are mourning the
loss of Laurence Simon's beautful Piper

She was a favorite on the IFOC cat-cams and will be so missed.
Our condolences to the Simon family.

Friday Cat Blogging

Is there anything sillier than a big cat in a small bag?

No, I don't think so

See Rhett and all the blogging pets at The Friday Ark,
Then on Sunday it's all cats at The Carnival of Cats
hosted this week at Catmology

On The Island: Cold as the Dickens

Just as the last day of hurricane season passed,
in came the cold weather.
Temps yesterday morning were a comfortable 73, then quickly dropped more than 30 degrees when our first cold front of the season came blowing into town.

This is just the kind of weather that is perfect for attending
Dickens on the Strand
Don't you think?

Note: this is fake snow.
I took this picture at a Dickens of the past

Desperate Shopping

This is kind of fun.

You can even "shop by episode" and get all the cute stuff the ladies on Wisteria Lane are wearing each week.

Tummy Tuesday!

Rico shows off his stripey tummy

It's Tummy Tuesday every Tuesday at
Lisa Violet's Diary

The Bachelor

Prince Lorenzo seemed to be having a difficult time choosing his true love last night.
In fact, something tells me he may have just flipped a coin off camera.
The ring went to Jen, but Sadie may be the lucky one.

ABC The Bachelor Rome

Turkey Dance

The Boyz stalk the turkey


Of course once it is served, Rafe remembers that he does not eat people food.

Have a nice holiday everyone!

See the best of this week's pet blogging at the Friday Ark and then it's all cats at Sunday's Carnival of The Cats hosted this week at Scribblings.

Cross posted at The Mis-adventures of RicoLoco

On The Island: Bah HUmbug!

This years big tree lighting ceremony has been cancelled due to lack of co-operation between the major sponsor Landry's and the City of Galveston.
We lived a few blocks down from this event for five years and always enjoyed the local school children performing Christmas music, Santa's arrival in a helicopter and ultimately a giant Christmas tree lit in all it's glory. Truly this is an event for locals and not tourist oriented.
Maybe the city has decided providing family entertainment for it's hard working citizens is not as much of importance as hiring an outside source for tips on promoting the island.
What a shame.

Give Him A Hand

John's bandages come off today and the stitches come out.
He will be evaluated to see if he will need therapy or not.
He is so happy to get this done already.
Please send healing thoughts that the surgery was successful.

Update: The stitches really hurt coming out and I tried not to look but couldn't help myself.
The doc said he is healing nicely and gave him some exercises to before his next visit.
He was glad he held back some of those good pills, because he was really hurting after this visit.

On The Island: A Name Change?

A consulting firm hired by the Galveston Park Board of Trustees has recommended that the City of Galveston consider changing it's name to make the destination more marketable for tourism.

Honestly, I think adding the word "Island" to the name of the city would not be as effective as finding a way to deal with our homeless population who are constantly approaching tourists or the prostitutes and drug dealers hanging around every night on the east end of Seawall Blvd clearly giving our city a bad image.

Just my opinion.

The Galveston Daily News

Kitty Movie Monday

Rhett does not want to share his shopping bag with Rico



Cross-posted at The Mis-Adventures of RicoLoco and
Shared at the YouTube Kitty Movie Monday Group

The Carnival of Cats

Wake up Boyz!

Mog over at Mind Of Mog was presented with a beautiful grandbaby this weekend and still found time to put together a great looking Carnival of Cats.

On My Soapbox

I got a summons to appear for Jury Duty for the City Municipal Court next month.
It says to mail the summons back with the survey filled out by November 30th and then farther down--it says to "bring the entire summons to court"
So which is it?
Mail ahead or bring it in?

Speaking of City Hall.

I used my debit card in the parking meter last month when I attended a closing on the Island.
I knew there were meters and did I bring quarters? Of course not.
It was 3 bucks minimum, so I swiped my card and went about my business.
So now I see my bank statement this month is off by 3 dollars.
They charged me twice.

Will I fight City Hall for 3 bucks.
Hell, yeah.
What are they going to do.....call me in for Jury Duty?