What I'm Loving Thursday

I'm loving...

That I'm trying to improve on my 5K time. After participating in my first 5K last year, I've decided to actually train for my next one. Last time I did it "cold turkey". I downloaded an app called Couch to 5K and I really enjoy it. 

I'm loving...

That I got to see my BFF Mandy last weekend while I was in Austin. We are going on 30 years of friendship this year!

I'm loving...

That two non-beer drinkers made a 45 minutes drive to a beer brewery just to support one of our favorite actors. Mandy and I love the show Supernatural and one of the stars (Jensen Ackles) just opened a brewery last week. We decided to show his business some support and went out there on Saturday. It's an awesome place (even if you are a non-drinker)- it's in Dripping Springs (just outside of Austin) and it is beautiful out there. They have a lot of seating (inside and outside) and there is a food truck available. They have a gated playground for kids and have a lot of areas for people to bring their dogs (on a leash, of course). We went out there on Saturday afternoon, and I really didn't expect Jensen to be there, but after sitting down for a few minutes, he walked by us. We didn't say anything the first time he walked by, but the second time he walked by, I stopped him and told him how much we enjoyed the atmosphere and that the place looked great. He stopped and chatted with us and expressed his appreciation that we were there checking it out. And he agreed to take a photo (Mandy's daughter was super excited to meet "Dean"). This was much cheaper than the time Mandy and I paid to get a photo with him at a Supernatural convention. Lol.

They also serve non-alcoholic drinks

I'm loving...

That I got to hang out with old friends this past weekend. My friend Thomas turned 40 and I went to his birthday party (I've known him since college). Another college friend Kris was there, it was great catching up with them and reminiscing on old memories. I also got to meet up with my friend Justin while I was in town, we went to high school together and hadn't seen each other in 20 plus years. 

I'm loving...

That I got to stay with my "summer mom" while I was in Austin. During the summer of 1998 I lived with this wonderful lady and her family. She has been calling me her "summer daughter" for 20 years now. :)

I'm loving...

That I got to visit the church I grew up in, I hadn't been by in about 13 years. This church will always be very dear to me. Sadly there aren't many members left from my time there, but there was one lady who remembered me. She kept saying "I can't believe you are little Rachel." :) I attended that church from age 5 to age 18.

Ms. Pat

I'm loving...

That I got to hear author Mike Cox speak on his book Legends & Lore of the Texas Capitol. Mandy and I went to hear him speak on Sunday (last thing I did before I left Austin). I can't wait to read the book- I'm a history nerd (especially Texas history) so I look forward to it.

I'm loving...

The cold weather. HA. Just kidding. Going to work when temperatures are in the single digits is not for me. I live in Texas for a reason (well, many reasons, but not having to deal with freezing temperatures in a main one). Lol.

I'm loving...

That I got to have lunch with my amazing friend Devin. You should just be jealous (even if you don't know him). :)

I'm loving...

That I got to attend a farewell dinner for my (now former) manager. When I interviewed at my place of employment ten years ago, she was the second person I interviewed with and she has been nothing but 1000% supportive of my career from the beginning. She retired last week and is going to sail the Caribbean with her husband. I'm going to miss my daily chats with her (and the never-ending supply of chocolate candy in her office). Lol.

What are YOU loving today??

XOXO!

Thankful Thursday

It's been a rough week for several reasons, I felt I needed this post as a reminder to always try and find a reason to be thankful.

I'm thankful...

For the opportunity to say goodbye. On Monday I had to say goodbye to a woman who was my "adopted grandmother" for over 25 years. I just happened to be in Austin when I got the news she didn't have much time left (she lived in Austin). I was able to go by and let her know how much I loved her. Although she couldn't talk, she did open her eyes when I started talking to her. She passed away just a few hours after I took this picture. Love you Meem. I'm glad you are no longer in pain. I promise to take care of the family for you. 

I'm thankful...

That my Pop (my "adopted grandpa") is so strong. Before I left their house on Monday, I asked for a picture with him. He said only if I smiled. Despite the fact we were going through a lot of sadness, I love this picture. He looks so happy.

I'm thankful...

For my job. It's been a rough week at my office-we saw a lot of changes in my department, but I'm glad to have a job and for my coworkers. And I enjoy the time we get to have away from the office.

I'm thankful...

For my BFF Mandy. I was dealing with some upsetting news while I was in Austin and she was there for support and to give hugs. It was just what I needed.

I'm thankful...

That I got to see some other dear friends while I was in Austin. I traveled to Austin on Sunday to see a concert with my bestie Zach. I was able to see a few other people in the short time I was in town. Austin friends: next time I visit I promise to be there longer so I can see more of y'all.

Thank you Zach for the ticket to see Brian Wilson. I had so much fun!

I'm thankful...

That I got to spend a few days with this cutie last week. My neighbor (who hasn't moved yet- YAY) was out of town so I got to Holly-sit. 

I'm thankful...

For those of you out there who read my blog (whether I know you or not). Thank you. Thank you for taking time to read whatever I post, whether it's something silly, serious, or just random. So much love to y'all.

XOXO!

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I had this post ready to publish, and before it did, I found out about the passing of Mary Tyler Moore. I'm still going to do my What I'm Loving Wednesday post, but I had to say something in memory of her. She was an amazing actress. I know a lot of people love her for her role on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, but my favorite role of hers will always be Laura Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show. RIP Mary. Thanks for the laughs!

I'm loving...

That I got to hang out with my Austin peeps this weekend! I always love hanging out with my besties Mandy and Zach while I'm in town. They both had birthdays recently so I was able to celebrate with them. I also got to see my friend Kirk. We went to high school together and hadn't seen each other in about six years.

The original BFF Mandy!

Me and Zachary

Me and Kirk

I'm loving...

That I crossed another presidential library off my list when I went to the LBJ Library in Austin. Well, technically I had been there before, but it was back when I was in elementary school, and I honestly didn't remember anything. It was much better as an adult.

Obligatory picture by the presidential library sign

A selfie with the president

LBJ was known for being a "close talker"

Replica of LBJ's Oval Office

A letter to LBJ from Billy Graham

These were on display next to each other in the library (it was in a room that had things that were popular during LBJ's time as president). These are two of my favorite things. :)

I'm loving...

That I got a box (or two) of these while in Austin. They are on sale for a limited time ONLY at HEB grocery stores. Unfortunately there are no HEBs in Dallas, so I made a stop at one while I was in Austin.

The latest edition for my sports room. I have a box of Wheaties from when the Spurs won the NBA Championship back in 2003

I'm loving...

That I get to be an honorary aunt to Mandy's two kids. I had so much fun with them this weekend. They make my heart smile! 

I'm loving...

That on Sunday I will be leaving on a seven day cruise to the Caribbeans! I've never been on a cruise before- I'm SUPER excited. It's also the first time I will get to use my passport.

I'm loving...

This smoothie drink. Sometimes I'm too lazy busy to make a smoothie from scratch before work. These are awesome- you just add juice, shake, and it's ready to drink. I was skeptical when I first saw them, but I really like them!

I'm loving...

That my taxes are filed! I love TurboTax, it's so easy to use and it didn't take me long at all.

What are YOU loving today?

XOXO!

What I'm Loving!

I know, it's been months since I've done this link-up, but I wanted to try and get back to it. There has been so much hateful talk and negativity on social media lately, I wanted to try and bring something positive to everyone.

I'm loving...

That I'm finally feeling better. I was sick in bed for about a week. I'm happy to be back in the land of the living!

I'm loving...

That I was finally able to see the Monet: The Early Years exhibit at the Kimbell in Fort Worth. I was supposed to go a few weeks ago but I got sick. I also went to the Amon Carter American Art Museum for the first time- it was awesome! It's down the street from the Kimbell (and it's free), I highly recommend checking it out!

It's a game of "Where's Aaron" whenever we take pictures. Lol

This is at the Amon Carter museum, it's a piece by William Harnett. I was fascinated by it. It almost looked 3-D.

As always, I see a statue, I pose by a statue

I'm loving...

The TV show Timeless- I just discovered it on Hulu. I really hope it gets renewed for a new season.

I'm loving...

That I get to see my lifelong BFF this weekend, I'm going to Austin to celebrate her *29th birthday with her!

I'm loving...

That I got to see my friend Donny this week. He lives in North Carolina and we maybe get to see him once a year. I'm sad his beautiful wife Katie couldn't make the trip this time. She is also a blogger, check her blog out here!

I'm loving...

That I've extended my 101 in 1001 challenge. Hey, it's my challenge, I can extend it if I want. I was supposed to have completed it October 30 of last year, but I've extended it until April 30 of this year. So it's technically 101 in 1183, but whatever. 

What are YOU loving today?

*age changed to protect the innocent