Half-assing it doesn't count :(

27. Host a holiday family dinner

Okay, so Miller & I didn't actually host the holiday dinner, but we did do all the cooking! Either way, the goal wasn't completed so it stays on the list. The food was still great. The turkey was fried, the casseroles were baked, all in all it was a great Christmas. Pictures will be posted as soon as my dad figures out how to upload pics to the internet. It might be awhile.

I walked away with some cool booty to take on my trip to Tanzania next week....I CAN'T BELIEVE I LEAVE IN 6 DAYS!!!

I have way too much to do. Hope everyone had a great holiday!

52. Watch the entire list: AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies

It was a pretty busy movie-watching weekend for me. I was stuck spending another weekend in Houston & I had some of my trusty Netflix by my side so I decided to go ahead and knock a couple out of the park.

#1 on the AFI list is Citizen Kane. It's been long heralded as the greatest movie of all time. Honestly...it didn't do much for me. I completely understand from a cinematic/technical point of view why it is so well regarded; the picture quality (for a movie from the early 1940's) is absolutely amazing and it's completely unlike any other movie from the time. The story, on the other hand, was completely boring to me. I've never really cared for movies that jumped back and forth between current & flashback story lines. One or two times is fine to make a point, but for the entire movie? Geez.... Sorry AFI, I don't agree with this movie being numero uno.

Casablanca was much more my speed of a movie. I basically knew the story line already and had seen bits/pieces of it before when flipping channels, but I never had the opportunity to watch the entire movie start to finish. I loved the story and Humphrey Bogart was such a classy actor...they just don't make 'em like that anymore. Good stuff, good stuff.

98. Watch a new movie each month (December)

So, I was stoked to spend a week at home last week. It was awesome to be "normal" and cook dinner, clean the house, play with the dog, etc. Miller & I decided to take advantage of our time at home together so we took in a flick at Alamo Drafthouse.

No Country for Old Men was one of those movies that I had read about. It got great reviews online & in all the magazines I read so I was interested to check it out despite the fact that I'm not a fan of "western" movies. At all.

I think this movie reiterated my feelings about western movies...there's usually too much back-story for me to follow along and I guess I just can't get past the fact that these people are running around playing Rambo in the middle of nowhere.

From as objective a point of view as I can....the acting was so-so for me. I was really bummed out that Tommy Lee Jones's character wasn't more fully developed during the course of the movie because he really is such a talented actor. On the other hand, Javier Bardem was seriously the most disturbed, scary person in a movie since Jigsaw in the Saw movies.

I have, however, decided that I want a cattle gun. I think it was the coolest use of random weaponry in a movie in quite some time. Do you think I can get one at Academy or something? Can someone look into that for me? Thanks.....

Overall grade: B- (only because I didn't "get it.")

77. Have a spa day

Last weekend, the Miller's & the Mehis' went to New Orleans. Jen had never been to N.O. before & Brekke's birthday was Monday so it just seemed like a natural migration across the state line. I hadn't been to New Orleans since my bachelorette party (pre-Katrina) so I was really looking forward to visiting again & giving back to the community in the form of payment for alcoholic beverages.

Jen, Michelle & I spent the afternoon on Friday at the Ritz Carlton Spa. Holyshit it was fantastic. I honestly don't think I've been that relaxed since my honeymoon. Getting pampered is always fun...especially when you spend the afternoon lounging around in a robe. I think massages & spa days should be a weekly occurrence. Miller...make that happen.

The rest of the weekend was pretty much spent doing what you do in New Orleans: drinking, eating, drinking, gambling, drinking, gambling & drinking some more. I honestly couldn't tell you how many hand grenades I had over the course of the weekend. Since Jen had never been to New Orleans before, she had a "list" of stuff that she wanted to get accomplished during her visit. One of the things on her list was to chestbump the blow-up grenade outside Tropical Isle. Lucky for her (and for everyone on the interweb), I was able to catch it on video. Seriously...it's hilarious.

Anyways, the rest of the weekend went pretty much as you would expect it to. There are lots of fuzzy memories left over. Thank gawd for digital cameras.

Good times. Good times.

83. Get Riley neutered

Bob Barker made me do it.

Yesterday Miller & I dropped Riley off at the vet's office to get his boyhood chopped off. The house was so empty/quiet without him around and I was so concerned that he would hate us when we went to pick him up this morning.

We went by this morning & he couldn't have been happier to see us. He's surprisingly in good spirits (considering what just happened to him) but he's definitely sleeping a lot more than usual. I'll just keep telling myself that it's because of the anesthesia and not because he's depressed.

Anyways, I'm glad it's over with...I feel like such a responsible pet-owner now. (:

Pack Your Stuff

I'm packing my bags & hitting the road. Luckily for me, it won't be another one of my 149602 trips to Houston...I actually get to use my passport & cross an OCEAN! In January, I'll be heading to Tanzania for a 3-4 week trip. This trip has been on the radar for a little while, but it was so up in the air as to whether or not I would actually go that I didn't want to say anything until I was for sure. Well, I went to the doctor on Tuesday & got 5 shots so it's a pretty safe bet that I'm going now (at least I better be going, otherwise I got these shots for nothing!). I'm pretty excited to venture off to a new part of the world...hopefully I'll have enough down time between work duties to get to see something cool!!

Otherwise, things have been pretty slow. I'm still in Houston working my tailfeather off but I've been sick the last couple days because of all the shots I got earlier this week. (Seriously...if this is any indication of what Yellow Fever is like....holy crap....). I better start feeling on the up and up soon because I'm headed to New Orleans tomorrow!!!

So. Much. Food.

Holy crap. I honestly think I ate my body weight in food this weekend. Not much else has been going on...it's literally been an eating/sleeping marathon the last couple days.

FYI: I won. (:

'Tis the Season to Get Your Married On

So, last weekend I went to another wedding - that makes the 6th wedding I attended this year! The lucky man & blushing bride (aka Andrew & Marysia) had a GEORGEOUS ceremony and great reception in Houston. Honestly...I wouldn't have expected anything less from her =)

I also got to see a handful of my middle/high school band buddies, some of whom I haven't seen in quite some time. It was great to have so many of us in one place for such a fun occasion.

Congrats to Marysia & Andrew!!

Cruel & Unusual Punishment

As most of you know, I (awesomely) get to work from home in Austin but my company HQ is in Houston. Part of the agreement when I moved to Austin was that I would come to Houston to help out with training and just put in face time at least once a month. The powers that be have decided to reign on my happy-parade. I have been spending two weeks at a time in Houston every other week (2 weeks in Houston, 1 week in Austin) since the end of September. Lucky me, this trend gets to continue through Christmas. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE....I've been stuck working the overnight shift this week. It's 5:52 PM and I'm in my PJ's about to start getting ready to go to the office. No lie. I have no idea what day it is.

I have done nothing this week but work and attempt to sleep during the day.

I did watch a new Netflix on Sunday. Breach...not a chick-flick...good movie. More deets on that one later.

Ok, seriously...have to go to work.

I love my job, I love my job, I love my job

98. Watch a new movie each month (November)

I've been in Houston all week working my tailfeather off. I'm tired. Perfect opportunity to veg out on the couch and catch a flix with the 'rents.

Fever Pitch had been on the list of movies to see for a while. I don't know why but the first time I ever saw the preview it just really looked like an entertaining movie. After watching it, I know why.

Take all instances in the movie and replace the words "baseball" with "college football" and "the Red Sox" with "the Longhorns" and you now have a pretty good depiction of my life. Seriously.

Drew Barrymore is great in this type of movie. She's the epitome of "that girl" and looks fantastic in the movie. I didn't believe her too much as the uber-successful, corporate type but at least there weren't too many scenes where she was supposed to be at work. LOL. Jimmy Fallon is as cute as they come but I really just kept waiting for him to start delivering the Weekend Update. I loved him on SNL but in my opinion, he's not the leading role kind of guy.

As far as date movies go, this was definitely better than Last Kiss...but I think I'm going to lay off the chick flicks for a little while. My brain is starting to turn to mush.....

Overall grade: A-

Happy Halloween!

Call the dentist...'cause it's Halloween!! Unfortunately for us all, Halloween is on hump day this year so hopefully you all had a chance to do something fun this past weekend or will do so tonight.

We partied our butts of last weekend to celebrate Halloween in Austin. I decided to dress up as Amy Winehouse this year and had a ton of fun with it. Honestly, it was one of my best efforts yet and I got "recognized" a lot. Hopefully those of you going out tonight and/or going trick-or-treating will be safe & have fun!

I've also got to extend a big Happy Birthday to all my Halloween'd family and friends! Have a great day Dad, Emily, & Michelle!

I think it should count for something

Goal 34. Call Mom & Dad at least once a week.

I'm physically in Houston as we speak/type. My mom is in the other room watching Dancing With the Stars. I had dinner with both of my parents tonight. Do I still have to call them this week? Me thinks not.

Oh yeah...and this is my blog for the week. Rock on Goal 40.

Damn it feels good to be a gangsta.

Vote or Die

98. Watch a new movie each month (October)

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Wish me Luck!

Okay, so I've always hated New Year's resolutions. It seems so overwhelming to set a goal (or a couple goals) that you resolve to finish by the end of the year. So why not make it even more difficult and do 101 goals?? A couple of my gal pals have taken this plunge and it really seems like a great idea. 101 things to do in 1001 days. Here's the deets:

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

So...here are my tasks that I pledge to finish at the end of my 1001 days:
1. Finish my 101 list (hey...we gotta start somewhere)
2. Turn 30 & love it
3. Finish putting together my wedding albums
4. Start the baby-making process
5. Draft a will
6. Vote in as many elections as possible
7. Learn CPR
8. Get Lasik
9. Get my teeth straightened
10. Get a physical
11. Learn Espanol
12. Take golf lessons
13. Paint the interior of the house
14. Paint the exterior of the house
15. Install landscape lighting
16. Install hardwood floors
17. Renovate the kitchen (new appliances, etc.)
18. Buy a new washer/dryer
19. Finish other decorating projects
20. Teach Riley to swim
21. Learn to wakeboard
22. Get a raise/promotion
23. Take the Mensa test (just for fun)
24. Switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs
25. Use cloth grocery bags
26. Buy a Gucci purse
27. Host a holiday family dinner
28. Take a cooking class
29. Travel to Asia
30. Travel to Europe
31. Snail mail birthday cards
32. Get boudoir photos taken
33. Play in the snow
34. Call Mom & Dad at least once a week
35. Clean out the closets a la Tim Gunn's Guide to Style
36. Go to a museum
37. Take a photography class
38. Read a non-fiction book
39. Read a fiction book
40. Blog once a week
41. Attend my 10-year high school reunion
42. Attend a non-UT sporting event
43. Start working out regularly
44. Go to the theatre
45. Join a professional organization
46. Buy a piece of artwork
47. Buy all new underwear
48. Try a new restaurant each month
49. Donate my hair to Locks of Love
50. Donate $1001 to charity
51. Adopt a second dog
52. Watch the entire list: AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies
53. Go skydiving
54. Learn to drive a stick shift
55. Take a yoga/pilates class
56. Get new family photos taken
57. Bake bread from scratch
58. Visit a new state in the U.S.
59. Participate in a charity event
60. Fill the iPod and buy a new one
61. Drink a Guiness
62. Go to the dentist every 6 months
63. Sign up to be a bone marrow donor
64. Go to Mount Bonnell
65. Buy something from Tiffany's
66. Get a drastic haircut
67. Learn to knit and knit scarf
68. Go on a romantic weekend getaway
69. Run a mile without stopping
70. Go to the dermatologist for a skin check
71. Fly first class
72. Buy wine rack and fill it up
73. Ride on the Harley
74. Finish buying all our wedding china
75. Stand/swim in an ocean
76. Go to a movie solo
77. Have a spa day
78. Ride in a helicopter
79. Watch the entire Sopranos series
80. Go to the Kentucky Derby
81. Contribute to a Wikipedia article
82. Update passport to married name
83. Get Riley neutered
84. Go camping
85. Try 20 new beers
86. Visit a winery
87. Get concealed handgun license
88. 72 hours = no computer/internet
89. Complete a 26 Things project
90. Win $10 off a single lottery ticket
91. Make lasagna from scratch
92. Go to comedy club
93. Watch the entire Godfather saga
94. Plant a tree
95. Go fishing & catch something
96. Take salsa lessons
97. Ride a roller coaster
98. Watch a new movie each month
99. Frame my diploma
100. Blog about all 101 goals
101. Celebrate that it's all done!

If anyone would like to start their own 101 in 1001, check out Day Zero for tips & info.

Work in Houston = BUSY

I love going to Houston every now and then. It's always great to spend Q.T. with my folks and see the Houston buds. I headed to Houston earlier this month for Nathalie's wedding. Holy crap it was such a fun weekend. It was the first wedding I've ever participated in where I wasn't the bride so it was a really great experience just doing all the partying without all the stress (:

After the rehearsal dinner, Jenn (another bridesmaid) and I decided to burn it down in Midtown. I got to hang out with Russell & Sameer at Howl at the Moon so it was great seeing them since we don't see each other that often anymore. Also, for all you single gals out there....there's a really cute/hot bartender named Buddy that works there. Be sure to check him out if you're ever there.

The wedding was Saturday and was a really great day (even though I was super hung over from the night before). All the bridesmaids spend the day together getting our hair did and we ended up looking hot (if I do say so myself).



All in all, the wedding was a success. Nathalie & Warren couldn't be happier and we all had a blast helping them celebrate. Congrats to them both!!



Other than that, the last couple weeks have been riddled with work. We have so much stuff to get finished before the end of 2007 and with the holidays rapidly approaching, it looks like I'll be spending more and more time in Houston.

Hooray Houston! (:

On the Road Again

I'm off for Houston this afternoon for Nathalie's wedding weekend. I'm really excited for her and am really looking forward to hanging out with all the girls again. Jenn & I are going to party-ass this weekend (:

I'll be staying in Houston for a couple weeks for work so if anyone wants to get together...drop me a line!

I Suck At This

Wow...I'm already a week behind on the blogging. That sucks. Last week was pretty uneventful for me; spent the first couple days of the week getting back to normal after Nathalie's Bachelorette Party & catching up on work. Friday was my 5 year anniversary with Miller...not our wedding anniversary, but the 5 year anniversary of the day we met. He took me to a great dinner at McCormick & Schmick's that was absolutely incredible. Ever since we got Riley (I swear it's like having a child!) we really haven't gone out on a date night so it was nice to get dolled up and have a great meal.

...speaking of Riley...he has his first appointment at the groomers tomorrow. We've given him baths at home but he's going to get the royal treatment tomorrow since he's coming with me to Houston later this week. I wanted to make sure he's all nice & purdy for my parents (and their "clean" dog-free home).

Hopefully I'll do a better job with this blogging biz-ness. I'll try to post a couple pictures of pretty-Riley after his trip to the beauty salon!

Gimme gimme more

This past weekend was the big send-off for Nathalie's single life. Her bachelorette party in Austin was a lot of fun and I had a great time meeting all the girls. You bitches rocked & I can't wait to see you all at the wedding in a couple weeks!!

Was it really that big a deal??

So..I'm the hugest pop culture junkie. I read all the celebrity gossip blogs, watch E!, and read People Magazine just as much (or maybe a little more) than the next person. But I was in complete shock & awe when the Oprah/JT (that's Justin Timberlake for you non pop culture fiends) interview was ALL OVER THE NEWS yesterday. At one point, it was even on the front page of the CNN website listed as "breaking news". Are you kidding me??? He didn't even reveal anything groundbreaking!

O: "What do you think is going on with Britney?"
JT: "I don't know, to be honest with you. I haven't spoken to her in years."

What amazing news, JT. Thanks so much for sharing that with us. :: gag ::

I love this shizz so much...I really do. But give me a break....

I think I should blame the whole problem on Oprah. If I was going to have to waste my time watching a celebrity talk about absolutely nothing, O could have at least done me a favor and booked David Beckham as her guest, right??

Hi. My name is Tabatha and I'm addicted to the Internet.

I've tried for so long to avoid admitting the truth. I've always been good about checking my email, but it wasn't until my job gave me a Blackberry that it all started to get out of control. When I relinquished my Blackberry, I thought I would be able to regain control of my non-connected life but I only felt completely disconnected from the world. I still checked my email a million times a day (thanks to the wireless internet in my house...I can check from anywhere), but I still felt completely out-of-pocket when I missed an email (work or otherwise) because I left the house for 10 minutes to get some food! I quickly ran out and got myself a spiffy new Treo and immediately felt that all was right in the world.

....and then Toni introduced me to MySpace. I now have a MySpace page, a Facebook page, a LinkedIn page for my work contacts (all of which I check multiple times daily) and now this damned blog (hah..I say it like someone had a gun to my head..)! And that's just my stuff...that doesn't even count the endless websites I frequent daily.

Seriously...it's amazing that I ever get any work done.